The Irishman will be keeping a keen eye on how any potential players perform with an Olympic medal on the line
Padraig Harrington On Olympics: “Very Important" For Ryder Cup
In the lead-up to the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, the Irishman was quizzed on the factors he considers most important for himself and vice-captains, citing performance in golf’s biggest events and included the Olympics.
“Yeah, look, it [the Olympics] is very important when you're looking from a Ryder Cup perspective,” the 2008 PGA Champion said.
“You're looking at players who play well in the majors, players who play well this week, players that play well when it's on the line.
“The Olympics creates that pressure and tension. Winning an Olympic medal is a big deal, I've seen that. I've traveled the world since the last Olympics, and even as a three-time major winner, Ryder Cup captain, I could be introduced in some countries and they might say three-time major winner, I get a clap.
“They might say Ryder Cup captain, I might get a cheer. But when you say an Olympian they can recognise that that's something they can judge a merit off of what you did in your career.”
He added: “It's a big deal being an Olympian, and especially would be a big deal if you won a medal, gold medal.
“That will put players under pressure and stress. From my perspective if a player can go out and win in the Olympics, that's the sort of player I want on the first tee of a Ryder Cup.”
As a former PGA Champion, Harrington has a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship and is relishing the “really nice test” on a “beauty of a golf course” at Kiawah Island.
