PGA Tour bans Harrington punts in Phoenix; windows safe

Call it health and safety gone mad or what you will but that the PGA Tour has banned players such as Pádraig Harrington from throwing (or kicking) things into the crowd on the 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open sound like overkill.

Having already banned the caddie races, it appears to be another killjoy step by the lawyers at Ponte Vedra Beach ahead of an event where both Harrington and Tiger Woods will begin their 2015 seasons from January 29-Feb 1. (Hat tip to Geoff Shackelford)

The PGA Tour becoming like the no fun league. Trying to take the fun out of Phoenix Open. pic.twitter.com/tuWl7dAwsp

— Alex Miceli (@alexmiceli) January 13, 2015

Considering the excitement that's generated on the par-three 16th every year, it's a shame that the PGA Tour has taken this step and we will be denied shots of Harrington doing his best Jimmy Keaveney impression.

Then again, Tim Finchem and Co may have seen Harrington's tweets about the number of windows this former goalkeeper broke in 2014.

Strange year.Broke my 3rd window of the year this week.I'd never broken one before in 39 years.It's Big Break next. pic.twitter.com/oEUlvumWCH

— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) December 31, 2014

As for Padraig's off-season, he's getting ready to perform three charity shows in aid of his Foundation and the ISPCC at the Gaiety Theatre next Tuesday (7.30pm) and Wednesday (2.30pm and 7.30pm).

"An Evening with Padraig Harrington" is a sellout but reserved tickets may be returned and come up for sale so make sure you check out Ticketmaster here to support this worthy cause.