31 and counting - Pádraig Harrington set for record national open appearance at Amgen Irish Open

Pádraig Harrington may be 55 years old but the competitor in him is showing no signs of going away as he brings up a record 31st consecutive appearance at the Amgen Irish Open, saying: "I still think I can win it."

After celebrating a landmark 500th DP World Tour start earlier this season, this week sees the Irishman overtake Seve Ballesteros for the most appearances at national opens held on golf's global tour.

Unlike the late, great Ballesteros, whose own long run at his national event the Open de España began with his debut as a professional at 16 in 1974, it was not until Harrington was 24 that he made his first start in 1996.

Since then, he has been an ever-present, winning the title in 2007 after a play-off against Bradley Dredge at Adare Manor and finishing runner-up on three occasions.

"I'm proud of that [piece of history]," he said. "I'd like to say I've never been injured, but that's not the case."

An integral feature of the DP World Tour schedule year on year, Harrington is part of a strong home contingent at the event that includes defending champion Rory McIlroy, fellow former event winner Shane Lowry, Séamus Power and Tom McKibbin.

Across a career that has seen him win three Majors among 15 titles on the DP World Tour, Harrington has become a firm fan favourite.

But, while he is respected internationally, it is the support that he receives from those in his homeland which continues to make weeks like this so special.

Asked what is his favourite thing about playing at his home open, he replied: "Definitely the atmosphere, the fans. I struggled at the start with that. It was a lot of stress and just put a lot of pressure on you.

"I think it takes a while for you to figure out that everybody wanting you to do well is not expecting you to do well and once you get a handle on the fact that it's just a genuine hope that you do well... like it always felt like you were letting them down back in the day if you didn't hit a perfect shot."

In a country steeped in golf tradition, with internationally renowned courses, a world-class field has assembled at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg.

Harrington is proud of the continued efforts to improve the tournament's standing further, with a US$6 million purse on offer as seven of last year's European Ryder Cup team and five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka also tee it up.

"I like the fact that the European players who come over loved the atmosphere, love the actual event," he said.

"They questioned our weather at times, but everybody enjoys the event.

"Amgen have come in and really upped the game of the Irish Open. It's one of the premiere events on the DP World Tour."

Alongside Greg Norman, Harrington opened this week's host venue in 2002 before it was bought by The Trump Organisation in 2014 and then underwent a redesign in 2016 by acclaimed links architect, Dr. Martin Hawtree.

Harrington was among the first on the practice range earlier this week, filmed in the company of renowned coach Pete Cowen - testament to his enduring passion for golf.

"Even though you see me there on Monday, I have dialled it back a bit," he said. "I have realised I can't do as much as I would have done years ago. I'm much more relaxed.

"I have always loved the game and everything with it, I love the rules of the game, and I am a golfing nerd. I'm very happy to, at 55 years of age, to realise that I am and I do accept it.

"I do absolutely accept the fact that I love this game. I'm very comfortable with that and I just love going out and competing as well."

Praise for 'eternal optimist' Harrington from Donald

Earlier this year, Harrington was announced as a European vice captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.

Joining the Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco, in Captain Luke Donald’s backroom team for next year’s contest, the four-time Ryder Cup-winning player will hope to help Team Europe claim a third consecutive victory following triumphs at Marco Simone in 2023 and Bethpage in 2025.

A player in the only previous Ryder Cup to be played in his home country at The K Club in 2006, he was previously a Vice Captain on three occasions before becoming Captain for the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

His experience, alongside his strong knowledge of the host venue for the 100-year anniversary edition of the biennial contest, are set to be a valuable asset - something Donald found too compelling to ignore in his pursuit of becoming the first captain to win three Ryder Cups in a row.

As a player, you just feel the love of the game when you see him. He's continuing wanting to find ways to improve - Luke Donald on Pádraig Harrington

"I mean, Pádraig, where do you start?" he said.

"As a player, you just feel the love of the game when you see him. He's continuing wanting to find ways to improve, to go out there.

"He still will tee up on Thursday thinking he has a chance to win. He's the eternal optimist.

"He thinks outside the box. I think some of those characteristics as a golfer translate to what I see him helping with me as a vice captain.

"I think you have different personalities as vice captains, and that's important. You have different viewpoints and certainly Pádraig is not shy of giving his view. I appreciate that.

"I want vice captains to challenge you and make you think of different things and different angles, and Pádraig is very good at that."

'I'd do it again in a heartbeat' - Harrington on Chase the Ace experience

Harrington was the latest subject of the popular Chase the Ace series - in an episode released earlier this week - where DP World Tour players attempt to make a hole-in-one at a selected par-three hole from a maximum 500 attempts.

Despite several near-misses over the Palmer South Course at The K Club, the Irish great was unable to join players such as Andy Sullivan and Robert MacIntyre to successfully complete the challenge but it appears as if he is eager for a second go.

"I cannot believe I did not have a hole-in-one," he reflected. "I was so cocky, I'm going to do this. I picked the pin position, 137 yards.

"It was great fun. I'd do it again in a heartbeat...

"To be honest, I'd do it next Monday if they gave me the chance at Adare [Manor].

"By the way, that was 500 shots with one practice swing on most shots. Very rarely did I take none and very rarely did I take more than one practice swing.

"So, if anybody ever tells you that they hit a thousand golf balls, absolute codswallop.

"500 balls [for] five solid hours with one 20-minute break.

"Like my speed dropped off the planet for three or four days after that."

If you have not watched his attempt at golf's ultimate shot, or if you simply want to watch it again, click below.