While World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has dispelled his PGA Championship uncertainty fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington is staring at a limited pre-Whistling Straits practice schedule as he continues to battle an injured right knee.
The triple Major winner damaged ligaments in his knee a fortnight ago playing tennis with his children.
The injury worsened early in last week’s Bridgestone Invitational before Harrington received an injection into his knee ahead of the weekend but then posting disappointing scores of 72, 72, 74 and 76 for a 14-over par tally.
Harrington’s last round included five bogeys over his closing seven holes ahead of arranging his young family for a 3pm local time flight to Milwaukee.
Padraig Harrington ends his 2015 Bridgestone Invitational by signing a ball for the walking scorer
And as Harrington headed to the locker room from signing autographs he asked those driving a van full of player golf clubs to Whistling Straits if there was room for his bag.
“I don’t mind if you tie my clubs to the roof and if they should fall off, just run over them,” he joked.
But on a more serious note, Harrington says he is going to need continued extensive treatment on his knee in the lead-up to what will be his third Whistling Straits showing and also his 66th Major.
“I probably did a little too much on Saturday and I warned about that but then that’s my old bad habit so it’s not been as good today, and we will see how it is tomorrow,” he said.
“The way it is now means it is going to restrict my practice at Whistling Straits, and the thing is the physio lads are not too sure what the problem as it’s either a meniscal tear or the other.
“The injection they gave me was the first injection I’ve had and it made a great difference but then that’s only hiding the concern.
“But then they’ve got me organised to have laser and acupuncture treatment when I get to Whistling plus further icing and massage, as well.
“I’m already spending about three hours a day with the guys working on it and that’s to continue this coming week.
“However whatever is happening with my knee I am looking forward to competing in another PGA Championship as it’s all about the Majors.
“And anytime I get to play a links golf course, or this week what has a links-like feel will make me happy, and besides there’s a large Irish flag I recall flying at the course so that has to be a bonus, as well.”
