Irish business tycoon, J P McManus knows Padraig Harrington better than most and he’s again paired with his triple Major winning compatriot for this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

J P McManus backing Padraig Harrington to return to the Ryder Cup Team in 2014.

The Harrington and McManus duo have tasted success twice in the unique $US 5m European Tour event, first in 2002 and then four years later.

And after arriving back from Medinah where McManus was in attendance for his 10th straight Ryder Cup, the Irishman, who is reputed to be worth Euro 775 (Wikipedia),  believes you can expect an even more determined Harrington to be back in the European Team in two years time at Gleneagles.

“I think every golfer is determined to make the Ryder Cup at some stage of their career and knowing Padraig as well as I do, I know how much he will be determined to qualify in two years time,” said McManus.

“But last week was fantastic and I’ve now been to every Ryder Cup since 1993 and while every one of them has been great, and though we didn’t do well in a couple of them this past one has to one of the best.

“It was a great experience and it’s just hard to describe how good it was being there at Medinah.

“Europe could not have written the script better and it’s good as a I had a little on Europe, so it was great to cover the expenses (smiling).”

McManus was speaking just ahead of he and Harrington taking to the Carnoustie opening round and on a course where Harrington captured the 2007 Open Championship.