Padraig Harrington addressed his ball – 278 yards from the pin on the 17th at Royal Birkdale, on an Open Sunday in 2008, and his Claret Jug defence in the balance – with total faith in his abilities.

A fairway wood in his hands, TV commentators realised his intentions: he was headed straight for the hole.

Up flashes the scoreboard: Harrington is +5 with a two-shot lead at the summit, as much an illustration of the devilish conditions as the wind whipping his white shirt.

Perhaps the Irishman did not need to risk it all; perhaps he could play conservatively, lay up and walk away without any damage done, but that was out of the question in Harrington's mind.

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