Harrington Named PGA Player of the Year

Padraig Harrington is the 2008 PGA Player of the Year. No surprise, given that Paddy won two majors during the year, and that Tiger Woods missed most of the year with injuries.

The PGA Player of the Year award, it should be noted, it not the same thing as the PGA Tour Player of the Year award. Although Harrington will likely win that one, too. This one is awarded by the PGA of America, is based on a points system, and has been given since 1948.

The PGA Tour's player of the year award is based on a vote by PGA Tour members, and has been awarded only since 1990. It is also known as the Jack Nicklaus Award.

Here are the top point earners in for the PGA of America award:

1.. Padraig Harrington, 116
2. Tiger Woods, 78
3. Vijay Singh, 62
4. (tie) Phil Mickelson, 54
4. (tie) Sergio Garcia, 54

Pretty amazing that Woods can play only six tournaments and still finish second on the points list. It helps when you win four of those six, of course, and one of them is a major.

See also:

• Winners of the PGA Player of the Year award