Harrington Soars to Lead in PGA Player of Year, Vardon Trophy Races

Golf Trophy

Trophy News from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Padraig Harrington of Ireland, who wrote a remarkable chapter in major championship history over the past few weeks with victories in the British Open and PGA Championship, has taken a commanding lead in The PGA of America’s 2008 Player of the Year point standings.

Harrington also leads the Vardon Trophy race, and with 44 completed rounds, needs to record 16 additional complete rounds to meet the required minimum of 60 rounds for one of the most prestigious season-ending awards.

Should Harrington continue his momentum toward both awards, he would be the first European since Nick Faldo in 1990 to win the PGA Player of the Year award and would be the first-ever European to capture the Vardon Trophy, presented annually by The PGA of America since 1937 (not awarded from 1942-’46 due to WWII).

The PGA of America has honored the game’s best players with The PGA Player of the Year Award since 1948. The Award is currently presented to the top touring professional based on a point system for tournament wins, official money standings and scoring averages.

Since 1937, the Vardon Trophy, named by The PGA of America in honor of famed British golfer Harry Vardon, is awarded annually to the touring professional with the lowest adjusted scoring average.

Originally Written by PGA.com Staff