If you happen to find yourself in Paris this September 20th and 21st, cancel all other plans, buy a copy of the newspaper, pack a good book, and prepare to stand in line for several hours.

Among all the celebrations going on from Southport to Dublin and on to Oakland Hills in the last month was once again a tinge of sadness that Padraig Harrington’s father had not lived to see any of his son’s three major triumphs. Paddy Harrington died far too young in 2005 and the three times champion has made no secret of the huge influence his father had on his career, his character and beliefs.