Former event champion Padraig Harrington will be on a mission when he returns to European Tour competition next week for the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura. Entries for next Thursday’s starting event on the sun-splashed Algarve were announced earlier today (Friday)
The Dubliner captured the Portugal Masters title in 2016 for a 15th European Tour victory and a 31st pro career success worldwide. However, the win was also the now 51-year old’s last taste of success in winning by a shot on the Dom Pedro Victoria course. As well, Harrington’s appearance next week will also take on added importance, not only in looking to end a five-year winless run, but also to secure a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship a fortnight later in Dubai.
Harrington is currently ranked 65th on the Race to Dubai money list and if successful in breaking into the top-60 it will be also just a first time since winning in Portugal he would qualify for the season-ender on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Estate. Harrington qualifies for the Portugal Masters being among the top-40 on the Tour’s all-time money list and that also allows Thomas Bjorn, who led Europe to 2018 Ryder Cup victory, to also tee-up in The Algarve.
Only one other Irishman will tee-up in Portugal and that being Clandeboye’s Jonathan Caldwell.
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