Poulter: Harrington praise
He's gone out there and done his stuff on the back nine. He's played incredibly.
Ian Poulter on Padraig Harrington
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Open runner-up Ian Poulter hailed Padraig Harrington's defence of the Claret Jug as "one hell of a performance" as the Irishman held his nerve to win back-to-back titles at Royal Birkdale.
Poulter carded a one-under 69 to set the clubhouse lead at seven over with the defending champion still out on the course five groups behind.
However, Harrington - Poulter's Ryder Cup team-mate in 2004 - responded by hitting a breathtaking five-wood approach to within five feet of the 17th pin and eventually won by four shots.
In doing so he became the first European to make a successful defence of the Open title since James Braid in 1906 and the first Irishman to win two majors.
Reflecting on Harington's mesmerising 17th hole approach, Poulter said: "I was watching from the practice pool cabin when Padraig did that. It could all still have gone wrong but he's hit a five wood perfectly to five feet.
"He's gone out there and done his stuff on the back nine. He's played incredibly.
"It is a hell of a performance. Back-to-back Opens haven't been done that often."
Pressure
Poulter rued a poor start and missed birdie putts at the 13th and the 17th which he felt cost him the chance to exert more pressure on the leader.
"I was two over through three holes and that was not the best of starts," he added.
"However, I could see that conditions weren't going to get any easier and I thought if I could keep hitting good shots, giving myself chances and roll a few putts in then it could turn around pretty quickly.
"The holes started to open up a bit on the back nine and I rolled a couple in and played solidly down the stretch while guys were struggling behind me.
"I should have finished a couple more under. I missed a good opportunity on 13 from five feet and then I go and three-putt 17, which is a little bit frustrating.
"Perhaps I might have pushed Paddy a little bit harder but hats off to Padraig, going back to back is pretty impressive.
"The shot he hit into 17 (for eagle) was quite awesome. Every credit to Padraig."
