Padraig Harrington has praised the decision by Ryder Cup Captain, Thomas Bjorn to appoint Swede Robert Karlsson as his first Paris vice-captain.
Karlsson, 47 has won twelve times in his career including 11 on the European Tour and in 2008 was crowned European No. 1
He played in two Ryder Cup’s in 2008 and 2010 while the Monaco-based golfer has also the wealth of four Seve Trophy and two winning Royal Trophy showings.
“I know Robert really well and he will be great for the team”, said Harrington.
“He has played in a couple of Ryder Cups while he has also competed a lot in the States, so he knows the game from both sides of the Atlantic.
“So, he will be a big advantage to Thomas and the team. He knows the highs and lows of the game as we need that strong Continental presence in that role”.
However, Harrington said that Bjorn has not contacted him in relation to securing any of the other vice-captain roles.
“No, I have not spoken to Thomas about a vice captaincy role but anyone who knows me, knows how much I want to give myself the change to make the team automatically”
Harrington was commenting ahead of today’s Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.
It is Harrington’s first PGA Tour event since missing the cut three months ago in the Honda Classic and then returning home for an operation of his shoulder.
“It is good to be back in the States and after Wentworth last week and contesting the US Open qualifier on Monday there is no issue with the shoulder so that is the good news”, he said.
“All I have to do now is win this week and also next week’s FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis and I should be into the U.S. Open.
“Well, that is the goal (smiling)”.
And no sooner had Harrington completed his Pro-Am and he was met by two Tour officials and asked to accompany them to the clubhouse to undergo a random drugs test.
“It is amazing as this is my first round back on the PGA Tour and I have to go for a drugs test and when I have not been asked to undergo one for so long”, he said jokingly.
And Shane Lowry finds himself grouped for the first two rounds in the company of USA Ryder Cup Captain, Jim Furyk.
Padraig Harrington will tee off at 5.45pm & Shane Lowry at 6.16 pm later thisevening
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