While it's certainly a shame that he's not fit to compete at The Masters this year as he recovers from surgery, Padraig Harrington has proven his broadcasting chops in no time at all with a highly enjoyable first venture into the Sky Sports commentary box.
Harrington replaced Thomas Bjorn at around 10.30pm Irish time on Friday night and within minutes people were praising his dulcet tones as he guided viewers through the evening's play at Augusta.
There was nothing spectacular about Harrington's role, he just chimed in with interesting thoughts on the other pros' game and anecdotes from his experience on the course, but what he said was interesting and informative and it was very well received.
Here he is absolutely beautifully setting up a wonderful Phil Mickelson chip, summing up Hideki Matsuyama's game, and making an excellent point regarding stress and the impact it can have one someone like Jason Day. All in about two and a half minutes.
Those watching at home were absolutely loving it.
Harrington is a popular character but his knowledge and timing left a very good impression on the viewers who expressed their happiness on social media.
Even after 5 minutes Harrington is a cut above with analysis. Plenty to say and, with 3 majors, not afraid to say it. #themasters
— Fionn Davenport (@fionndavenport) April 7, 2017
Harrington in the sky commentary booth! Wahaaay!
— Joe Molloy (@MolloyJoe) April 7, 2017
Loved hearing from @padraig_h in the @SkySportsGolf commentary booth #themasters
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) April 7, 2017
@padraig_h great to hear your views on Sky-roll on the weekend #Masters-legend
— ger griffin (@ger1973) April 7, 2017
@SkySportsGolf Bloody hell, I wouldn't tell Padraig Harrington my business. ? Seriously the best insight into play/players i've heard. ?
— Rae (@will_rae11) April 7, 2017
Fantastic insight & knowledge from Padraig Harrington on @SkySportsGolf even knowing Jason Days swing speed @ d WGC & know why its down ????
— Phil (@XabiRabbit) April 7, 2017
@SkySportsGolf lots of great insight from @padraig_h in the space of 15 mins. Hope he is on all over the weekend
— Eoghan Greene (@Eoghan_G) April 7, 2017
@SkySportsGolf keep @padraig_h in the commentary box. He's superb. His voice is like a lozenge for my ears
— Mark Kilgallon (@mrmarkkilgallon) April 7, 2017
Really enjoying @padraig_h commentary on the #Masters. Really insightful. Would listen to him all night..
— Damien Pigott (@pigottdamo) April 7, 2017
Padraig Harrington is excellent on Sky. Bit of life in him #masters2017
— Neil Cotter (@NewsNeil13) April 7, 2017
On the other hand Padraig Harrington is a breath of fresh air. Brilliant commentary and insight @SkySportsGolf
— G:Potz (@GazPottsy) April 7, 2017
#themasters Lovely to hear Padraig Harrington on @SkySportsGolf . Hope he's recovering well. He sounds in great form
— Donal Power (@The_Paor) April 7, 2017
So Padraig Harrington commentating is basically Paul McGinley, except it's insightful, sensible and great to listen to! Liking it
— nicola lewis (@nichlewis) April 7, 2017
Very impressed with Padraig Harrington on commentary. Engaging and informative.
— Warren Allsworth (@warrenallsworth) April 7, 2017
Harrington will be on again over the weekend so be sure to keep an ear out. Hopefully he can get back out there himself soon, but at least he's a bloody natural in a different role too.
