A top pro by a real distance

TWENTY-SEVEN hours and 13,000 kilometres.

That’s how long - and far - it took Padraig Harrington to travel from South Africa to tee it up at this week’s RSM Classic at Sea Island.

Padraig is playing on a minor medical extension in a bid to regain full status on the PGA Tour and I’ve nothing but respect for his stamina and professionalism.

Now in the autumn of his golfing life, he is still willing to put in the graft and hard yards to further and extend his career.

He may be 46 years old and a three-time Major champion but still retains a strong desire to hone his craft and contend.

He has never dared rest on his laurels.

Does he still have the goods to win at the top level? Time will tell but you can only admire his drive to compete.

It remains the yardstick for any aspiring professional.