The two high profile players – Padraig Harrington and Hunter Mahan – not to be chosen as a ‘wildcard’ pick will react to next week’s Ryderr Cup in diffferent ways.
After his bitter disappointment in not being selected, Mahan is determined not to watch a single stroke.
Mahan says all he will do it check on the scores at the each day.
Padraig Harrington to watch Ryder Cup from the comfort of his Dublin loungeroom.
In contrast, triple Major Champion Padraig Harrington will be glued to the TV.
“I will be watching every shot hit on TV. I’ll have myself a golf-fest. I’ll really get into it,” said Harrington.
“It’s a big deal to Europe that we win the Ryder Cup and I’m rooting for them.
“The Americans have a slight advantage because they are at home but the teams are evenly matched. It will come down to whichever one turns up the best. It is that tight.”
Harrington’s non-selection ended a run of six straight Ryder Cup appearances and with Harrington confessing ‘even the dogs in the street knew I wasn’t going to get wildcard pick’.
But not being a member of the European Team means not enjoying the excitement of the world’s biggest golfing occasion.
“There was an incredible amount of pressure in 2010 but this time I had come to terms with the fact that I couldn’t play myself out of it whatever I did after the USPGA,” said Harrington.
“I was very comfortable with the process. I am a great believer that you have to play yourself into the team automatically and I didn’t do it on merit. There are a lot of very good players out there and the slots dwindle very quickly.”
And don’t discount Harrington from making a seventh Ryder Cup showing in 2014.
“To make the 2014 Ryder Cup I need to play well now,” he said.
“I need to get myself in position. My push for 2014 starts now.
“I feel I am playing great golf but I want to be inside that top 50 because it’s supremely hard from someone outside to get in the team automatically. You can do it with a couple of wins but two wins is a big year.”
HARRINGTON’S – RYDER CUP RECORD
Years played: 1999, 02 (winners), 04 (winners), 06 (winners), 08
Overall record: Played 21, Won 7, Lost 11, Halved 3: Points 8½
Singles: Played 5, Won 3, Lost 2, Halved 0
Foursomes: Played 9, Won 2, Lost 4, Halved 3
Fourballs: Played 7, Won 2, Lost 5, Halved 0
