Pod answers Monty’s call

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.
Latest
-
PGA Tour
JT Poston completes wire-to-wire victory at John Deere Classic
England’s Callum Tarren bogeyed two of his last four holes en route to a one-under 70 as he was forced to settle for equal-sixth place.
-
European Tour
Adrian Meronk makes history for Poland as David Law celebrates Open berth
Meronk’s flying finish made him his country’s first winner on the DP World Tour.
-
News
Paul Casey becomes latest player to join LIV Golf series
He opted out of the inaugural Saudi International on the European Tour in 2019 citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
-
European Tour
Adrian Meronk has the edge as he aims to make Tour history for Poland
A third round of 68 at Mount Juliet means a one-shot advantage on a crowded leaderboard.
-
European Tour
Shane Lowry birdies last four holes to make Irish Open cut
Jorge Campillo tops the leaderboard at the midway point.
-
European Tour
Keith Pelley hits back at 16 players threatening DP World Tour with legal action
Pelley says the sanctions against players who competed in the first LIV Golf event are ‘proportionate’ and ‘fair’.
-
PGA Tour
JT Poston takes two-shot lead at John Deere Classic
The 29-year-old also became the first player on record to open consecutive Tour events with 62 or better.
-
European Tour
Ryan Fox surprised to be leading after opening round of Horizon Irish Open
The New Zealander carded a flawless 64 to set the pace at Mount Juliet.
-
News
Defiant Lee Westwood does not believe playing in LIV should harm Ryder Cup hopes
Westwood doesn’t agree with penalties and sanctions.
-
News
Shane Lowry welcomes closer ties between Tours in response to threat from LIV
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced the next phase of their strategic alliance.