Padraig Harrington believes Paul McGinley’s biggest chance of being appointed a European Team Captain will be for the 2014 Ryder Cup.
McGinley is odds on favourite to replace the victorious Jose Maria Olazabal whereas Harrington says those odds will diminish for 2016 if his Irish compatriot is unsuccessful for the Gleneagles leadership.
Padraig Harrington believes Paul McGinley’s best chance of the Ryder Cup captainncy is for 2014. (Photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
“Paul (McGinley) and Darren (Clarke) would make great captains but then I don’t know if there would be an issue with having two Irish born guys in a row,” said Harrington.
“Hopefully they will go with Paul for 2014 and then Darren for 2016.
“Certainly Gleneagles is Paul’s opportunity.
“But there is a less chance of the captaincy going from Darren, if he were to get it for 2014 than to Paul for 2016, as there would be going from Paul to Darren.
“There is also a strong case for Thomas Bjorn, and I don’t know if Miguel (Angel Jimenez) would be considered too old if he has to wait for the next two Ryder Cups.
“But you know one good thing? At least there are plenty of guys to choose from.
“We had four vice captains this year and they would all make good captains.
“Then hopefully in eight to 10 years’ time my name will be considered.”
Harrington was speaking after a disappointing second round 73 at Kingsbarns on day two of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The double Dunhill winning Dubliner was three over for the day after nine and then despite three early inward half birdies Harrington bogeyed the last to be in a share of 111th place heading into the third round at St. Andrews.
