Harrington to celebrate with Obama

Published: 7:20AM Thursday March 11, 2010 Source: Reuters

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

Two-times British Open winner Padraig Harrington will be a guest of US president Barack Obama at the White House St Patrick's Day party next week, the Irish golfer told reporters on Thursday.

"I got an invite to go to the St Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House, I won't say it's perfectly convenient, but it's worked out obviously as I'm in the States," said Harrington, who will be playing at a tournament near Tampa in Florida next week.

"I can fly up and come back down in the same day and meet the President - it's very nice," said the 38-year-old.

Dubliner Harrington, ranked 13th in the world and in the States for this week's WGC-CA Championship at Doral, said he was hoping to get a chance to evaluate the president at close range.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's something different. You know, obviously President Obama is one of the most charismatic people of the world, one of the most powerful people in the world; you want to meet these people and see what they are like and get your own judgment on things.

"You can tell a lot when you meet somebody, so I'm looking forward to that and plus, I've never been to the White House."

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Golf Video

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.