Pod answers Monty’s call

European Tour

Ireland’s three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has answered his Ryder Cup captain’s call to arms.

Ireland’s three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has answered his Ryder Cup captain’s call to arms.
Montgomerie wants as many potential members of his European team as possible to play in the Celtic Manor Wales Open from June 3-6.
This especially so as the new 2010 course at Celtic Manor where the Wales Open is to be played for the first time is the same course that is scheduled to host this year’s Ryder Cup in October.
A clash of dates with Jack Nicklaus’ prestigious Memorial Tournament on the US Tour means Montgomerie will not get his wish, with the likes of Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy all set to be at Muirfield Village instead.
However, Harrington, a member of the last five, mostly successful European teams, today announced he will join former team-mate Luke Donald in making the trip to Wales.
“I want to make every effort to keep Colin happy,” the 38-year-old Dubliner said. “Obviously I’m trying to make sure I qualify straight out for the team.
“I want to be part of that team and being part of that team means throughout the year you’ve got to make your effort and gel with your team-mates.
“I quite like the course at Celtic Manor, it’s an interesting course and one I think I can do well on.
“I didn’t have a good run the last time I played it (missing the cut two years ago) but I wouldn’t mind having another crack at that one.”
Harrington currently occupies one of the nine automatic qualifying places, with Montgomerie adding three captain’s picks after the Johnnie Walker Championship on August 29.

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