Padraig Harrington Shares Wild Tales of Distractions at The Open
The Open Championship is renowned for its challenging conditions, deep history, and sometimes, the unpredictable chaos that can unfold both inside and outside the ropes. Padraig Harrington, a two-time Open Champion, recently gave insight into the wilder side of golf’s oldest major by sharing some of the most bizarre disruptions he’s encountered on the links.
During a media session, Harrington recounted: “I remember one time having a guy run on the fairway dressed as a banana,” highlighting just how outlandish things can become when crowd control is tested at major golf events. The Irishman has seen it all—from raucous fans who are a little too close for comfort, to wildlife popping up in the middle of serious competition.
Harrington explained that players, no matter how focused they are, can’t always block out what’s happening in their peripheral vision or beyond the ropes. A particular 2015 Open at St Andrews incident still stands out in his memory: “A streaker ran across the 18th. The security kept on running after—and the crowd was roaring.” These wild interruptions can momentarily break concentration, making an already tough tournament even more demanding for the professionals.
But it’s not just people that can distract. Harrington described moments where seagulls have swooped in to steal players’ snacks or even a ball, and other times when unpredictable Scottish weather forced everyone—caddies and fans included—to scramble for cover.
Despite all these diversions, the essence of The Open remains unchanged. For Harrington, what makes it special is the way players must adjust, not just to the wind and the course, but to the randomness of the outside world swirling around them.
“I suppose you have to look at it as part of the event,” he said. “You know it can happen at The Open. Sometimes it works in your favor, sometimes it doesn’t. You just try to have a laugh and get on with it.”
For fans who tune in, these rare moments—both wild and whimsical—are part of what makes The Open a truly unique experience. But for those inside the ropes, it’s all about keeping composure, even when someone’s dressed as a fruit is chasing down the fairway.
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