PGA Championship winner stunned crowd with ‘Happy Gilmore’ swing at Valhalla before missing cut
Padraig Harrington hit one of the coolest shots in PGA Championship history a decade ago.
The Irish golfer won the PGA Championship in 2008 and was back at it six years later in 2014.
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With fans looking on and decorating the fairway, Harrington lined up for what appeared to be a normal shot during the pre-tournament long-drive competition.
But the early-week Valhalla crowd was soon stunned in a moment that still stands out ten years later.
Harrington completed a practice stroke, then stood back to take a final look at his planned shot.
He appeared to take an extra second as if something was wrong.
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But it was soon clear that everything was right.
Harrington quickly skipped up to the ball, reared his club back and hammered a drive as hard as possible.
He never set himself for the shot and almost took a running approach to the tee.
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Fans loved it, immediately understanding the Happy Gilmore reference.
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Laughter could be heard from the nearby crowd, while Harrington had a wry smile as he walked back to his bag.
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Unfortunately for Harrington, his cool reference to a fan-favourite Adam Sandler movie was the highlight of his week in 2014.
Harrington proceeded to miss the cut, shooting 73 and 71 for a two-round total of 144.
Rory McIlroy won the PGA Championship in 2014 at Valhalla, holding off Phil Mickelson by a stroke.
McIlroy is among the favourites as Valhalla hosts the big tournament again this week, with first-round play starting on Thursday in Louisville.
The PGA Championship is filled with great stories.
The brutal eye roll from Brooks Koepka started at the tournament, while a golfer once beat Tiger Woods after selling car stereos to make ends meet.
Xander Schauffele started the 2024 PGA Championship with a blistering 9-under par 62.
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