Here is why Padraig Harrington was driving a mini Aston Martin after winning Hoag Classic
Padraig Harrington of Ireland poses for a photo with the winners trophy in a miniature Aston Martin
Pádraig Harrington produced his best drive of the day on the 18th on Sunday but it was in a mini Aston Martin as he celebrated his dramatic victory in the Hoag Classic at Newport Beach Country Club.
The Dubliner (52) knows how it feels to drive the car James Bond made famous as he got a DB7 from his wife Caroline for his 40th birthday and still has it to this day.
Still, he'd love to have been able to ship home the mini version brought on-site last week by tournament sponsors Aston Martin to add some colour to proceedings and offer mini trips to fans and guests.
The PGA Tour Champions confirmed that Harrington would not get to keep the car, which was built, ironically enough, by Group Harrington in Vietnam, who are recognised as the world's leading manufacturer of petrol and EV half-size junior cars.
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They could set you back around €20,000 and Harrington was keen not to rip "the lovely leather" with his spikes as he settled in for his ride.
"I'm thinking, how am I getting in here?" the 6'1" Dubliner joked as he surveyed the cockpit.
"Ernie got in it," a voice assured him, referring to two-time Hoag Classic winner Ernie Els, who is 6'3".
"Yeah, but he hasn't got the knees!" said Harrington, who needs surgery to clear up his niggling knee problems, as he swung his right leg over the back and inside.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 25th March
Electric versions of these cars can do up to 30kmph while the petrol versions can do 65kmph.
Harrington took it handy as he took a spin around the 18th, where he drove into trouble in regulation play but still made a birdie to win.
"You saw me driving already on 18," he joked as he sped off. "Where are we going?"
Harrington's next stop is the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course this week.
He will be looking to beat the likes of world number one Scottie Scheffler and US Open champion Wyndham Clark and claim a place in the Masters.
