Liberty National: Paddy comes to its defense

In the midst of all the negative (and mostly anonymous) carping about Liberty National Golf Club comes this contrarian view from a man whose authority on such golf courses requires he be heard. Padraig Harrington, a three-time major champion, gave it a rave review, even after shooting a 75 on Friday.

"This is a phenomenal golf course,"he said. "I think this is good enough for a major. This is a major golf course we are playing here. This is a superb test, really puts us right on the limit. This is exactly what we should be playing. This is an excellent golf course. The actual layout of the golf course, it's a real test out there, and at all stages, you've got to pay attention. Absolutely.

"If you want us to play good golf, if you want to shoot 20-under, yeah, there's other golf courses, but it's like playing a major out there. You've got to pay attention all the time to every shot.

"I'd love to see a major here in time."

-- John Strege