Padraig Harrington inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The Dubliner (52) was among six inductees honoured at the event, alongside 19-time LPGA winner Sandra Palmer.

The other inductees – Beverly Hanson, Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Farrell – were recognised posthumously, in addition to seven founders of the LPGA Tour who had not yet been inducted, who were added as a group to join their six fellow founders.

Harrington was presented with a plaque by his son Paddy at the event on Monday, held in Pinehurst, North Carolina in the US.

Shane Lowry was among those in attendance.

In a video tribute, Lowry said of Harrington: "He was one of my golfing idols growing up, and he's got the career that deserves it.

"There's probably not many better golf ambassadors out there than Padraig Harrington. For the game alone, I think he's just been great – and he's been great in Ireland, and we're very grateful to have him."

In the same tribute, Rory McIlroy added: "[Harrington] really kick-started this whole Irish golf movement.

"Padraig was the one that made us all believe we could do it. He's the ultimate Pro.

"He's hit way more balls than I have in my life, and we'll never catch up to him."

Harrington joins compatriots Joe Carr and Christy O'Connor Snr, who were previously inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2007 and 2009 respectively.