Harrington: Second major
It's important that you go on and win a second major. Very few people have won two majors or back-to-back majors. I was always trying to play that down but winning a second sets you apart. It's a new level and there's less people in that club.
Padraig Harrington
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Padraig Harrington cut an understandably delighted figure after shooting a final round of 69 to defend his Open crown.
The Dubliner finished four shots clear of Ian Poulter after a stirring finish that saw him play his final six holes in four-under-par.
Harrington admitted he had tried not to think about the magnitude of claiming the Claret Jug for a second straight year - especially after beginning the week as a major doubt with a wrist injury.
However, having done so, he acknowledged he had moved to a new level having joined the exclusive club of multiple major winners.
"I'd like to put the Claret Jug right back where it was last year," Harrington said afterwards.
"I really tried not to think about the consequences of winning today but I did think it would be nice to have the trophy back on the breakfast table again.
"I had a great year as Open champion, so much so I didn't want to give it back.
"It's important that you go on and win a second major. Very few people have won two majors or back-to-back majors.
"I was always trying to play that down but winning a second sets you apart. It's a new level and there's less people in that club."
He went on to admit that his injury scare had probably aided his preparations as he did not overplay in the run-up to Thursday's tee-off time.
"In hindsight the fact that I didn't play three practice rounds meant I was fresh for the battle ahead," he continued. "It took a bit of stress and pressure off me. It was a good distraction. Sometimes you need that.
"I knew my game was there but maybe this week I made the right decision at the right time and got the right break at the right time."
The £750,000 winner's cheque also guarantees Harrington's place in Europe's Ryder Cup for the match against the States in September and lifts him from 14th to a career-high third in the world rankings.
"It clears up a lot for September, that had been on my mind too," he added.
