Irish Open: Five sleeper picks to steal the show at Portstewart

Peter Uihlein of United States of America. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Peter Uihlein of United States of America. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Irish Open
Padraig Harrington of Ireland. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Padraig Harrington: OWGR – 163, Odds to Win – 70/1

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Padraig Harrington has to be a sentimental sleeper pick for the Irish Open. Time is running out for the 45-year old Dublin native who has 31 worldwide victories on his professional resume to win his national open.

To be sure, Harrington is a long shot. The oddsmakers are giving him 70/1 for the win. His highest finish at the Irish Open came in 2010 when he recorded a runner-up, and he’s missed the cut in three of his last seven starts, most recently in 2016.

Still, Harrington’s twice won The Open (2007, 2008) and the PGA Championship (2008). He knows how to pace himself through 72 holes and while his long game has diminished, there’s absolutely nothing lacking in his short game and his putting.

Harrington may be a long shot for the win, but don’t discount the synergy of desire and seasoned skill.