Padraig Harrington says he’ll change his schedule and play some events in Europe this summer if he’s genuinely in contention for being in Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team.
The 51-year-old was Europe’s Ryder Cup captain last time out as Team USA earned a record 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits, but he could just be playing his way into the side to help avenge that loss himself in Rome.
The Irishman has been a different man since turning 50 and starting on the PGA Tour Champions circuit - already winning five times – and being sharpened up has also allowed him to compete well in the Majors.
And after shooting 67-66 at the Scottish Open, calls for Harrington to get a Ryder Cup wildcard will only increase – especially if he continues this form into the Open at Royal Liverpool.
Harrington was gearing up for the trip to Hoylake before planning to go back to America – but he’ll speak with Donald and if the skipper says he’s in the mix he’ll change his schedule to play some DP World Tour events in Europe to prove his worth.
“We’ll see more after these couple of weeks, but this is the best I’ve played these last two rounds, tee to green, in a long time,” Harrington told Sky Sports at The Renaissance Club.
“I’ve been playing better, getting better and doing things better. The Champions Tour has got me focused better and I’ve started putting better.
“Now this week, with an eye on next week I was trying to get my head in the right place for next Thursday and I seem to have managed to do that a week early.
“So I’m in a nice place, I’ll see how I play over the next two weeks then have a chat with Luke and if necessary I’ll change my schedule and come back and play a few in Europe.
Padraig Harrington was captain in the last Ryder Cup but could return as a player in 2023
“My intention was to go play some Champions Tour events but if I’m genuinely in contention then I’m prepared to make the effort and change my schedule and come back and prove it.”
Donald in all likelihood has eight of his team locked down with Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry all expected to play.
The four remaining spots though look wide open with a host of rookies battling it out – so Donald may well consider the experience of a former captain and three-time Major champion as a welcome addition.
-
Multiple-Time LPGA Tour Winner Eyes 2026 ReturnAfter 18 months away from the game, Jessica Korda is eyeing a return to action, with the American claiming 2026 is 'what we’re shooting for'
-
Home Favorite Fights From Six Back To Win Alfred Dunhill ChampionshipThe penultimate DP World Tour event of the calendar year was won by South African Shaun Norris after the 42-year-old shot 67 to triumph by one
-
'It Was Really About Us Taking This Into Our Own Hands' - McIlroy On How PGA Tour-LIV Golf Showdown Came To FruitionRory McIlroy says the players organized the PGA Tour-LIV Golf Showdown match themselves to show fans they're trying to bring the sport back together
-
‘To Say That McIlroy’s Season Was Not A Success Is Wide Of The Mark’To say it's been a dramatic 2024 for Rory McIlroy is a bit of an understatement, with the four-time Major winner going through multiple highs and lows this year
-
From 'Unfinished Business' To A Favourite Course - Why Rory McIlroy Fancies His Major Chances In 2025Rory McIlroy is confident he can finally end his Major drought in 2025, with a couple of venues giving him extra hope of adding a fifth to his name
-
Rory McIlroy Details 'The Ones I've Let Get Away' & Life In The Limelight In New DocumentaryRory McIlroy opens up about his big near miss at the US Open and just what it's like being in the spotlight in a new TV documentary
-
Jon Rahm To Make Dubai Desert Classic Debut In 2025Jon Rahm will make his first appearance in the Dubai Desert Classic in January to kick-off his Ryder Cup campaign on the DP World Tour
-
PGA Tour Reveals Player Of The Year And Rookie Of The Year NominationsOverall, seven players are in line for either the Jack Nicklaus Award or the Arnold Palmer Award, with the winners due to be revealed by the end of the year
-
Rory McIlroy Posts Heartfelt Message To 'Hero' And 'Inspiration' Rafa Nadal Following Tennis Icon's RetirementThe Spanish tennis player has left the game after 22 Grand Slam victories - and four-time Major winner McIlroy joined in with the messages of congratulations
-
Rory McIlroy Proves Fierce Loyalty To Caddie With Heartfelt Message In Race To Dubai Victory SpeechAddressing Harry Diamond after winning the Race To Dubai, McIlroy thanked his best friend and called any stick he had received this year "unwarranted"
