Padraig Harrington, Arnold palmer and Tom Watson receives honorary degree
Padraig Harrington, Arnold palmer and Tom Watson received an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews today at Fife. This degree was awarded to them in recognition of the achievement and contribution they have made to the game.
The degree is awarded to those people who are visitors in Scotland and possess a tremendous record of outstanding performances in their career. The degree is more like a doctorate or mostly a master’s degree in its definition. It is awarded to those who have no connection with the academics of the institution in the past. Usually it is referred to as a souvenir and the university awarding it benefits as an association from the concerned person.
Padraig Harrington, who won the Open Championship in 2007 at Carnoustie, for the very first time, is due to receive the doctorate degree. He won the Open held at Royal Birkdale in 2008 proceeding to another victory in the same year at the USPGA Championship. Padraig Harrington is the second European ever to retain the Open Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale. The first one was entitled to James Braid in 1906.
The university Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell will be presenting the degree of Doctor of Law. According to Louise Richardson the University’s Dean, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington are a true example of excellence, drive, determination and achievement at the highest levels of professional sports and that inspires the upcoming generations at St Andrews. The university feels delightful that all three players have accepted their invitation to attend this function and accept the honorary degree despite being scheduled at the 150th Open Championship being held on Thursday.
The event took place in Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews between 3:00 pm and 4:00 PM on 13th July 2010.The event was open for all staff and students. Other guests who were given the honorary degree were Johann Rupert, the Executive Chairman, Richemonte and the former Scottish National Coach and PGA Captain, Jim Farmer, who received a university medal. St Andrews have history of presenting the same honorary degrees to golfers Jack Nicklaus, Colin Montgomery and Nick Faldo as well.
The University of St Andrews was founded between 1410 and 1413, and it is the oldest institution in Scotland. It is located on the east coast of Scotland. Not to forget this is the same university where Prince William studied.
Padraig Harrington, who has won the Scottish Open twice, is thrilled after receiving the honorary degree. Someone who is not so thrilled is Tiger Woods who has been overlooked. According to an official at the university, it was not the right time for Tiger Woods to be considered because of his much sensationalized private life. Although, he was offered this much honoured souvenir in 2000, but he was too busy with the masters that he could not come to the venue. Being the number one has its cost as well but hopefully Tiger Woods will get this prestigious chance again.
Another statement added by Ken Crichton, convener of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council was “We do recognize that golfers such as Tiger Woods are great for the sport. But an honorary citizen should be someone who has done a lot for St Andrews and deserves recognition”.
The year seems good for Padraig Harrington, Arnold palmer and Tom Watson, if they can get the honorary degree from a prestigious university like St Andrews then chances are that one of them will be able to out shine on the venue of St Andrews on Thursday. But till then all golf lovers need to wait and keep their fingers crossed for their favourite players. Who knows this honorary degree might prove lucky for someone this year?
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