Padraig Harrington admits he has NEVER paid a green fee in his life

Irish Daily Mirror

4 days ago

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has said he has NEVER paid a green fee in his life despite playing thousands of rounds of golf.
Harrington is the epitome of golfing royalty, winning three majors and was recently inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame.
And known for his straight-talking demeanour, the Dubliner took part in a DP World Tour video about the last time he played a green fee.
Harrington features alongside other legends, such as Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley, and he opens up about the last time he put his hand in his pocket.
"I don't think I've ever paid a green fee," Harrington said. "Never paid a green fee. In Ireland, it is kind of an unwritten rule that once you get to a good standard, such as Junior International, you can go and play the clubs in your local area with other Juniors for free, so I've never paid a green fee."
Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley was also unable to remember the last time he paid a green fee.
"I am embarrassed to say I can't remember," he laughed. Even in the last years of college, I was on the Irish team, and it was free green fees whenever I played. Honestly, I can't remember. I must have been 17 or 18."
Harrington has certainly given back to Irish golf over the years and recently teamed up with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to help set up a free putting green in Marlay Park.
The amenity is free to use, and equipment is provided by Harrington, teaming up with longtime sponsors Wilson and Titleist to provide equipment for those willing to play.
Both McGinley and Harrington aren't unique when it comes to green fee privileges, with Rory McIlroy recently revealing he last paid a green fee of €250 in 2005 to play Valderamma.