Padraig Harrington believes he can press his case over the next two weekends to make history as the oldest golfer ever to play in the Ryder Cup. Having been captain two years ago at Whistling Straits, it would be a stunning return for the 51-year-old.
Pete Cowen, Harrington’s coach, has been telling anyone who will listen – and many who would not – that Europe captain Luke Donald should pick Harrington for September’s match in Rome. Cowen has even cornered Donald a few times to state his man’s credentials to replace Ray Floyd in the record books.
Harrington has previously dismissed the notion, but after shooting a 66 here at the Genesis Scottish Open to reach seven-under and stand three behind Rory McIlroy, he revealed his ambitions.
“As regards to the Ryder Cup, I’ve got these two events here and next week’s Open,” he said. “I’ll see at the end of Hoylake where I am and I’ll talk to Luke. If necessary, I’ll change my schedule. I’m meant to be playing a few senior events in the middle of the summer. But I will change that and play European Tour events if I have a genuine chance. If it’s real.”
Harrington’s form on the Champions Tour has been outstanding, lifting five titles in the last 13 months, including successfully defending at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open last month. “Luke rang me after that with his congratulations, but also said that it would be remiss of him to say he wasn’t watching,” Harrington said.
“He asked about my schedule. I said how I play in Scotland and at the Open will determine everything. If I don’t have good weeks it won’t be enough.”
The three-time major champion told Donald not to include his success amongst the veterans when deciding on his six wildcards in seven weeks’ time. “I don’t think we should take the Seniors Tour into account, it’s different golf,” Harrington said.
