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Harrington eyeing Irish Open smiles
Golf, 13:01, July 28, 2010 ,
Padraig Harrington is aiming for a high placed finish at this week's Irish Open to boost his hopes of making this year's Ryder Cup.
The three-time major champion, who has not enjoyed tournament success since the US PGA two years ago, has enjoyed 14 top 10 finishes in the last 12 months at courses such as Wentworth, Quail Hollow and Doral. However Harrington is on course to miss out on Colin Montgomerie's 12-man European team for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in early October as he sits in 17th place with just over a month left to qualify.
There is a chance he may be a wildcard pick, but that is no guarantee given that players like Justin Rose, Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson could also be looking to secure a place via that method.
Therefore Harrington is aiming for glory at Killarney in the Irish Open which could propel him up into sixth spot in the standings.
"I was asked the other day if I got selected would I actually pull out," he said. "The inference was 'would you pull out because you're not playing well?'. I've had more top 10s in the last year than I've ever had in my career, so going on a guideline that most people use I've actually had the best year of my career.
"I haven't won and that's certainly below my expectations and everybody else's expectations, but my form has actually been solid enough.
"I just have to wait and let it happen. I do try to be very disciplined in doing my own thing and not being influenced by outside factors - but clearly that one got to me."