Tiger Woods says he can’t wait to beat me on the Champions Tour’

He was Europe’s most dominant player back then, a perennial range rat and deep thinker who famously used a spirit level to note the slopes across all 18 greens at Augusta National. He even played a practice back nine to see the shadows he’d putt in if he was among the last groups.

On his analytical approach, he once said, “I always get something out of it. Always. Always. You’d be amazed.” Harrington was doing what most of today’s top pros do when they were still in primary school.

Ahead of the US Open in June, the 52-year-old was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame with 36 titles to his name, including last year’s US Senior Open.

“I assume the honor is based on wins,” he said of the Hall of Fame. “But I’d like to think that it’s also my love of the game, my respect of the game, and everything that I love about golf.”

We asked him to dig a little deeper…

The Hall of Fame does give validation to your career. It brings a deep sense of satisfaction that, you know what, I did alright. At this stage in my career, I can enjoy it a lot more. When you’re winning tournaments, you can move on too quickly. I always say to young players that you need to enjoy it, because you don’t win as often as you think you will. You’ve got to cherish the moments and something like the Hall of Fame is that moment. It gives you a second chance to enjoy your whole career.