Part of his happiness was because he was hanging with his friends and fellow competitors following the completion of the Jim Riggs Memorial Champions.

But there was also another reason.

In the 32 years of the event, there haven’t been too many area golfers from the regulation 18- and nine-hole courses in the circulation areas of The Post-Journal, the OBSERVER and the Times Observer who have enjoyed the opportunity to play in the tournament founded by Riggs, the late Post-Journal sports editor, more than Harrington.

And now he’s on the very short list of the most accomplished in its history as well.

Casey Vincent lines up a putt on Sunday at Chautauqua Golf Club. Times Observer Photo by Scott Kindberg

The Shorewood Country Club champion made an 8-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to claim the 2022 title, outlasting two-time defending Riggs Memorial Champions winner Scott Crist and Nolan Swanson, who settled for pars.

For Harrington, the championship bowl he received after the round is his third, matching the ones he captured after winning the 2013 and 2014 titles. The list of golfers who have had at least three crowns is decidedly small. The only other names on that list, in fact, are Dick Cole (1996, 1997, 2002 and 2003) and Shelly Grant (1992, 1993 and 2001).

“That’s pretty elite company, if you think about it,” Harrington said.

His welcome-to-the-club moment came after shooting a 37-36-73, 1-over par, which tied him with Crist (35-38-73) and Swanson (37-36-73) after 18 holes. The deadlock meant that the trio had to return to the first tee for the playoff. After they each parred the par 4, 402-yard hole, the tournament was decided on the 333-yard, par 4 No. 2. Harrington put his second shot to 8 feet and he made the putt. Crist and Swanson, who had putts of 25 and 9 feet respectively, weren’t able to knock theirs in, making Harrington the winner.

“It’s a great event when you think about the past people who have won and everybody who has played in it,” said Harrington, whose previous victories came in a playoff with Dave Newton at Cardinal Hills Golf Course in 2013 and a one-shot win over Kevin Kaszuba at Chautauqua GC in 2014.

Andrew Gignac lines up a putt on Sunday at Chautauqua Golf Club. Times Observer Photo by Scott Kindberg

Harrington’s victory capped a day in which there were multiple players in the 18-man field who were within striking distance of the lead, including Nolan Ditcher and Taylor Beaver at 74; Andrew Gignac, Marcus Lutgen and Jack McCauley at 75; Casey Vincent at 76; and Mike Boticello at 77. John Woodfield (78), Greg Winter (79) and Nick Petrac (79) also broke 80.

“There have been some really talented people who have played in this event,” Harrington said.

Before he left, Harrington was joined by Crist and Swanson for a photograph.

Judging from their smiles, it appeared as if they were all winners.

Chautauqua Golf Club

Nick Petraca watches his tee shot on Sunday at Chautauqua Golf Club. Times Observer Photo by Scott Kindberg

Lake Course

6,571 yards, par 72

*(Josh Harrington 73

Scott Crist 73

Nolan Swanson 73

Nolan Ditcher 74

Taylor Beaver 74

Andrew Gignac 75

Marcus Lutgen 75

Jack McCauley 75

Casey Vincent 76

Mike Botticello 77

John Woodfield 78

Greg Winter 79

Nick Petraca 79

Jordan Marsh 80

P.J. Gronquist 80

Scott Jagoda 81

Chad Swan 83

Troy Beightol 84

*won on second playoff hole