Harrington relishing role
Padraig Harrington admitted that the added pressure of being named as vice-captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team this year’s Ryder Cup would give him an indication whether he would be able to lead the team in the future.
Harrington, Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez were on Wednesday named as Paul McGinley’s final three assistants.
They will join Des Smyth and Sam Torrance on the backroom staff for Gleneagles.
Olazabal was captain for the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012 but Harrington and Jimenez are both candidates to fulfil the role in years to come, along with the likes of Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn.
Asked if he would be interested in becoming captain, Harrington told Sky Sports News: “Absolutely I’d be interested and part of being a vice-captain is really finding out whether you are suitable to do it.
“It’s a different job being the captain than a player. Being a player is quite a selfish thing, it’s all about you. The captaincy, man-managing 12 people, being able to get on with all of those people and being able to organise things, its a different sort of scenario.
“My record might say yeah, I look like being a future captain, but to be honest being a vice-captain and getting in behind the scenes will tell me a lot more and tell the people in the know a lot more whether I am possibly the right man to do the job.”
Olazabal, Harrington and Jimenez have 17 Ryder Cup appearances between them, while Jimenez was vice-captain to Seve Ballesteros in 1997 and Olazabal two years ago. The 50-year-old was also picked by McGinley to captain the European team in the inaugural EurAsia Cup in March.
Latest
-
NewsLee Westwood on strong US Open start: ‘This course is gettable if you hit the fairways’
Lee Westwood reflects on his impressive opening round at the 120th US Open.
-
NewsUS Open day one: Rory McIlroy off to fast start as Justin Thomas takes the lead
McIlroy shot an opening round three-under 67 while Thomas carded a five-under 65.
-
NewsRory McIlroy flying high after opening round of US Open at Winged Foot
The Northern Irishman is two shots behind leader Justin Thomas, who shot a five-under-par 65 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsA little more relaxation brings a little more action for Rory McIlroy at US Open
The Northern Irishman shot 67 on the opening day to sit two behind clubhouse leader Justin Thomas.
-
NewsPrayers answered for Rory McIlroy as US Open hopeful makes speedy start
The Northern Irishman is two shots off the lead after an opening 67 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsRory McIlroy makes strong start at US Open
The Northern Irishman is bidding to claim a first major title since the 2014 US PGA Championship.
-
NewsWATCH: Tiger, Rory, Rahm and DJ on what makes Winged Foot so difficult
Golf’s big buns give their thoughts on the tough test that lies ahead at the US Open.
-
NewsWATCH: Social media star pays tribute to Mickelson with special US Open song
Take a listen to the most heartfelt and emotional song about Phil Mickelson ever created.
-
News5 talking points ahead of the 120th US Open
We look at five talking points ahead of the year’s second major championship
-
NewsAll eyes on USGA when the 120th US Open gets under way at Winged Foot
The fact that last year’s championship took place without controversy over the set up of the course was a welcome relief for the organisation.