PADRAIG HARRINGTON was back last night where it all began. With family and friends, the newly crowned Spanish Open champion had celebratory drinks at Stackstown Golf Club, the scene of his development into an international class player.

A few hours earlier, he arrived home from Madrid with his mother and girlfriend, Caroline, who were at Club de Campo to witness his triumph. "I can't get over how excited people are," he said. "Even my brothers, who normally keep me in my place, seem to be thrilled by the whole thing."

He went on "The realisation of what I've done is only starting to dawn on me. For instance, I've been told that I am to play in the pro am at The Oxfordshire on Wednesday before the Benson and Hedges International. And I'll probably be in the pro-am at Wentworth next week."

Harrington is also looking towards next Monday and the first company day for his sponsors MMI Stockbrokers. In the meantime, he faces a hectic schedule, meeting well wishers and thanking people who have helped him make such a remarkable transition to professional ranks.

For those of us watching on television, one of the most gratifying aspects of his victory was how much he seemed to be enjoying himself. But he insisted. "I really only enjoyed the last hole. As I walked up the 18th I thought to myself `this is great'." He is gradually finding out just how great it was.