Harrington reveals relief at Torrance’s understanding over professional split

PADRAIG Harrington was apprehensive about coming face-to-face with Bob Torrance for the first time since the three-time major winner decided to call time on their 15-year working relationship during the Irish Open in July.

The meeting finally took place during the recent Dunhill Links Championship and Harrington, who finished in a tie for eighth in the pro-am event, has revealed it went better than he had expected, thanks to both 79-year-old Torrance and his wife, June, showing real understanding.

“It was a tough decision but you’ve got to make the hard decisions,” said Harrington of the split he instigated after a run that left him without a win in Europe or the United States since his USPGA Championship triumph in 2008.

“It was really difficult because it was like a family relationship that I had with Bob and June. They are very close to my kids so, it was tough to make that break. I still want my family to have a close relationship with Bob and June, so trying to figure out how to do that going forward is obviously difficult.

“The Dunhill was the first time I’ve seen them since then and that wasn’t easy but they were great towards me. I want the best for my golf but that’s a different matter when it comes to relationships, so it was good to get over and see them again. It was a relief to see them again, but I do believe that is the hardest part over now.”

Harrington, right, who is now working with Pete Cowen, said he had split with Torrance, one of the game’s most respected coaches, because he feared their friendship could turn sour.

“The best way to preserve that family relationship was by ending the working relationship,” added the Irishman.

“We were getting agitated with each other – Bob is too old to change and I wasn’t listening. It came to a head at the Irish Open. When you are not listening and getting a bit grumpy, you don’t treat them right and then all of a sudden you realise that’s not the way you want it to happen.

“My golf comes first and I will always make hard decisions because I don’t want to have any regrets when I get to the end of my career.

“Ultimately, if I’m standing with another major trophy in my hands in the years to come I hope he’ll be delighted for me – because there’s a part of Bob in me, no matter what I do going forward.”