Seán Keeling got his dream week at the Amgen Irish Open off to a terrific start with a Monday practice round alongside three-time major champion Pádraig Harrington who came away very impressed with what he saw from the 18-year-old.
Keeling barely had the opportunity to unpack his suitcase for his freshman year in Texas Tech before he jetted back across the Atlantic to Royal County Down for his debut in a professional event.
“Buzzing! Got a few days of good preparation so looking forward to getting going. Got my second cousin on the bag and he’s caddied for me before,” said Keeling who has already returned from Texas with a change to a clawed putting grip.
“I hadn’t played the course before this week so it’s a good test alright so just about staying patient and play solid golf and see where that takes us.
“I was over in Texas for two and a half weeks so back over this week then back to Texas again so my last event on Irish soil for a while anyway.”
Keeling took in a practice round with 2007 Irish Open winner Harrington. The 53-year-old has become something of a godfather of Irish golf, always available to offer nuggets of advice for youngsters coming through the ranks and his words have proven invaluable for the likes of Leona Maguire.
Keeling was part of a group alongside fellow amateur Max Kennedy and DP World Tour hopeful Conor Purcell and although the Roganstown star has no memory of Harrington’s hey day it was a dream day for the teenager.
“Played with him on Monday so that was cool, enjoyed that and he gave me some good advice. It was nice to be around him for a few holes,” Keeling added.
“He just said to stay patient this week and stay resilient. He said there will be ups and downs just part of the game. Just seeing him and how he carries himself and goes about his business is really interesting. I’m too young to remember his major wins but I have watched them back. He’s definitely an inspiration for any Irish player.”
Harrington himself was impressed with what he saw from Keeling as well as Kennedy and Purcell
“Very impressed (with Seán), I played with him and Max Kennedy and Conor. I had three of the young Irish guys, different personalities, different sort of games.
“Obviously Seán is a young lad, only 18, a great ball-striker. Just I think he doesn’t look like he’s outgrown the game at 18 years of age. So he has plenty of time to keep growing and learning as a player. There’s no hurry there.
“Max is really only starting off his journey. He’s not turned pro yet and max is very similar to who I was at that stage, a later developer, quite determined, dedicated.
“Conor looks like the real deal. Looks like he’s very comfortable with who he is. The only thing you need to be, if you want to be a professional golfer, everybody, they all have the minimum standard of ball-striking. It’s who believes, who is comfortable in the environment. That’s the buzz. To turn up out here and not be starstruck or startled and be able to do your own thing and not get knocked back when it doesn’t go well.”