Padraig Harrington has gifted a golf fan a signed glove and cash after his ball accidentally struck him on the head.
The Dublin golf legend was taking part in the Kitchen Aid Senior PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas on Sunday when he accidentally struck a spectator with his drive, reports the Irish Mirror. The unfortunate mishap happened on the 16th hole, and once realising that he'd whacked the fan, Padraig Harrington immediately went over to check on him and apologise.
The fan was delighted when the golf legend then gifted him a signed glove and a bundle of $50 notes to buy him dinner once he had recovered. Harrington joked: "You got it going in the right direction."
Read more: Katie Taylor dismisses retirement talk and sets her sights on Cameron rematch
The spectator seemed to see the funny side of it too, replying: "I was trying to get you back closer to the fairway there."
"I'll buy you dinner," said Harrington as he handed over the autographed glove and cash, he was then applauded and cheered for his kind gesture by the watching crowd. Social media users were quick to praise Dublin native Harrington for his kindness and generosity toward the fan.
One person commented: "Class from Harrington. Really nice guy who cares about his fans." Another said: "Nice of @padraig_h to cover his deductible! Good on him. Hope he brought it home."
A third said: "What a guy!!!"
Harrington went on to lose a play-off to Steve Stricker after leading the way for the first three rounds at Frisco. The three-time major winner birdied the 18th hole to force a play-off after Striker missed a long putt for birdie.
But Harrington drove into a hazard as they played the 18th again as the first play-off hole, with Stricker getting a birdie as Harrington missed his putt to do the same. Speaking afterwards, Harrington said: "Steve is probably the toughest guy you could ever play on a Sunday.
"He has to have the best wedge game in the world. Like he's a fabulous putter, he's a fabulous chipper, but his wedge play like at the first 14 holes was just spectacular."
READ NEXT:
Ronan Keating shares he's getting a vasectomy after previous setback
Social welfare Ireland: One week until second cost of living bonus payment is issued
Have your say on whether Ireland's minimum wage should increase by €2 per hour next year
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
