Harrington Wins The PGA Grand Slam Of Golf

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington made the most of his late call up to win the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda.

The Irishman was invited to the four-man field after Open champion Ernie Els withdrew with an ankle injury.

Harrington made the most of the opportunity to finish nine-under and beat U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson by a shot.

The Wilson Staff professional fired a four-under 67 final round to finally claim the event – at the Port Royal Golf Course – at his third time of trying.

“It was unfinished business for me, having lost in two play-offs (2007 and 2008), so it was nice to come back and win,” said Harrington, after becoming only the second European to win the title in 30 events, following Ian Woosnam in 1991. “I believe I’m playing really good golf…and I see a lot of good things happening,” he added.

Simpson carded a bogey-free six-under 65 – the best round of the tournament – to chase Harrington all the way. The U.S. Open champion put some pressure on the leader early in the round, going out in 32 to draw within a shot of the lead.

But Harrington regained control with three consecutive birdies on holes 11, 12 and 13 as Simpson was only able to manufacture a pair of birdies on the inward nine.

Masters winner Bubba Watson shot an even-par 71 to finish in tied-third with fellow American Keegan Bradley, who was standing in for US PGA champion Rory McIlroy, after the Northern Irishman had already committed to the BMW Masters in China.

Like Simpson, Watson got to within a shot of the Harrington after a birdie on the 10th hole, but that turned out to be the final birdie of his round, with a double bogey on the 16th ending his chances.

Defending Grand Slam champion Bradley shot a four-under 67 on Wednesday, including an eagle on the 393-yard, par-4 14th hole.

For the win, Harrington was awarded $600,000 from the $1.35 million overall prize purse.