Padraig Harrington hopeful Ryder Cup can go ahead to give public a sports fix

Europe captain Padraig Harrington is hoping the Ryder Cup can “take one for the world of team sport” and go ahead this year.
The biennial event between Europe and the United States is scheduled to take place from September 25-27 in Wisconsin, although the coronavirus pandemic means it is in doubt.
There have been 13 events cancelled or postponed so far on the PGA Tour, with the action scheduled to resume on June 8.
Players such as Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are not in favour of the event being held behind closed doors – but Harrington wants the much-anticipated event to go ahead for the good of the game.

Harrington admitted on Sky Sports Golf: “None of the players want a Ryder Cup without the fans.
“The reason we play the Ryder Cup is for the glory of being out there, we get the opportunity of being like a footballer out in the middle of a stadium with people cheering.
“That doesn’t happen unless you’re winning a tournament and you’re the home favourite but at the Ryder Cup that happens all the way through for six days.
“The players crave that – they don’t get paid to play – so they crave that opportunity for glory.
“No one wants to play behind closed doors but they (tournament organisers) are keeping a prudent eye on it and they know if the PGA Tour events in June go off well behind closed doors it’s a possibility.
“The players don’t want it but we might have to take one for the world of team sport and put an event on that people can watch. It wouldn’t be the same for us but we’re craving sport on TV.”
The 48-year-old Irishman continued: “I keep saying if they put on any live sport, a lower division football game, we’d all be watching it because we want to see something live, something that’s unexpected.
“The unpredictability of an event would be nice, you don’t realise what you miss.”
Europe were led by Thomas Bjorn when they won the 2018 event and Harrington hinted at a new vice-captain in an interview on Tuesday.
He added on Sky Sports Golf: “I’m trying to be as prepared as I can be…I had a phone call with one of my new – woah, I nearly said the word there, I possibly did say the word there – one of my vice-captains yesterday. Is this live?”
Latest
-
News
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson confirmed for US PGA Championship
Woods last appeared at the Masters while Mickelson has not played since February.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen savours ‘special’ British Masters win after ‘some tough years’
The Dane was at a loss for words after securing his first win since 2018.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen in command at British Masters but braced for final-day nerves
The Dane holds a three-shot lead on 11 under par.
-
European Tour
Danny Willett likes idea of presenting British Masters trophy to himself
The tournament host is three shots off the lead at the halfway stage.
-
News
Justin Rose drives to make golf accessible to all
The Olympic gold medallist is dreaming of getting the sport on the national curriculum.
-
PGA Tour
I can’t wait to leave this tour – Sergio Garcia set to join Saudi golf circuit
The Spaniard lost his cool.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy ‘pretty happy’ after eventful start to Wells Fargo title defence
The Northern Irishman finished the opening round with a three-under-par 67, two shots off the club house lead.
-
European Tour
I want to win again: Thorbjorn Olesen claims share of lead at British Masters
Olesen carded six birdies and no bogeys in a superb 66 to top the leaderboard alongside New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.
-
News
Justin Rose has no plans to play Saudi-backed event as he targets career goals
Lee Westwood, Richard Bland and Phil Mickelson are among the players who are looking to compete in next months 25million US dollar event.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen sets early clubhouse target at British Masters
Olesen carded six birdies and no bogeys in a superb 66 at The Belfry.