Padraig Harrington's 2008 Open speech

Padraig Harrington's Claret Jug presentation speech:

"I'm going to hold on to this!

"Captain of the R&A,

"Firstly I'd like to thank the R&A. I had a great year as the Open champion, so much so that I didn't want to give it back. I don't know how long I can keep this up but back-to-back, I am thrilled to have done it and I have got the thank the R&A for all the effort and work they have put in to running a championship like this and golf in general.

"They put the money made this week to great use. I was here on Sunday for the World Junior Open and to see the kids from just about every country in the world was a fantastic insight into the work that the R&A do in golf.

"I'd like to congratulate Royal Birkdale Golf Club. This golf course was in the best condition a golf course, let alone links golf course, you could ever imagine. It is true credit to the members and the staff of Royal Birkdale for the condition they had it in this week.

"I'd like to congratulate Chris Wood. Tremendous score he had this week. I'm sure we will see more of you in the future, maybe as a professional. Great going this week. Well done

"I'd like to congratulate Ian (Poulter). He pushed it very close today. Both myself and Ian have done ourselves favours for mid-September. We were thinking we might have a week off. Well done Ian.

"I am quite enjoying this. I don't think I'll get down. I'd like to thank Greg Norman. He was tremendous. He was a true gentleman to play golf with today and his sportsmanship on the golf course is second to none. I am sure it was a tough day for him.

"It looked like it was going to be his story this week and things went away his demeanour and his response to all my good shots on the golf course was just tremendous. He is somebody you can only look up to. Thanks Greg.

"I'd like to thanks and congratulate all the marshals this week. They did have to do a lot of ball-spotting for everybody so it was tough week and you did a great job with a lot of moving around so thank you very much.

"I'd love to thank all the spectators that came out this week. I had just a fantastic week here in Liverpool. I do have to tell you too the comment that I heard during the week. Yesterday, when I double bogeyed the 12th, I was walking down the 13th and a guy leaned over and he tapped my shoulder and said: 'Don't worry about it. I have to go back plumbing on Monday'.

"And today I was walking a couple of times and a gentleman walk by and said: 'Go on Paddy. You are a scouser now.' So I have had a great time and fantastic support from everybody here. I don't think I have ever had the support that I have had this week, so thanks very much to everybody.

"Lastly I'd like to say a few personal thank yous to my team. First and foremost and top of the list, a person I left out last year, Dale Richardson my physio. He worked double time this week, as you know I had a wrist injury. I was stressed over it but he was very relaxed and knew he could get it right. Thank you Dale. I am, sure you are listening.

"The rest of the team, Ronan my caddie, does a tremendous job. Always keeps my spirits up always says the right thing. Thank you Ronan.

"The two Bobs. Bob Rotella and Bob Torrance, working in tandem on the range. They worked very well together. Thank you guys for your time and commitment.

"Lot of other guys behind the scenes, Liam and Paul. I'd like to also thank my family, those people behind me. My wife Caroline, Paddy and Ciaran, I don't think Ciaran knows too much about it yet but Paddy knows the time and effort that goes into this. My mum, is here. Just about everybody behind me. Thank you very much."