Harri concerned over Ryder Cup spot
by Brian Murphy, 03 July 2008
Padraig Harrington has admitted that his poor form could cost him a place in the European Ryder Cup team.
Harrington has been struggling with a neck injury in recent weeks and has not won a Tour event since his victory at the British Open at Carnoustie last year.
The Dubliner remains in eighth place in the Ryder Cup rankings and is in danger of slipping out of the automatic places unless he can regain his form ahead of the Open at Royal Birkdale.
“I am very aware of it and I am concerned,” Harrington said after his disappointing opening round at the European Open on Thursday.
“I want to make sure I play my way into the team. You never want to be sweating over these things.”
Harrington is aware that he needs to start winning tournaments if he is to guarantee automatic selection in Nick Faldo’s team to face the Americans at Valhalla in September.
“I would have been better off with one win and no top-fives,” Harrington said.
“I will try and make it easier on the captain so that he has more opportunities. If I get in to the team on merit it will give him more freedom. It only takes one good week.”