Padraig Harrington believes he will take another huge step in becoming a future European Ryder Cup Captain after being approached by Darren Clarke to become one of this year’s Ryder Cup vice-captains.
Harrington, 44 is a veteran of six European Teams and got a very first taste of being part of the ‘back room’ team when Paul McGinley afforded him a vice-captaincy role for the 2014 Gleneagles showdown.
However ahead of defending this week’s Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida Harrington revealed he’s been in discussion with Clarke with a view to being named one of five deputies Clarke will take to Hazeltine for the 2016 Ryder Cup commencing on 30th December.
“If I’m not in the team then I would love to be there as part of Darren’s back room team, and I’ve talked with him so I will be there one way or another,” said Harrington.
“But then I know if start playing well and winning then everything comes onto my radar, and if I don’t it’s like the Olympics and as much I would like to play in both the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, they’re long shots, real long shots
Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington celebrating Europe’s 2004 success at the K. Club. (Photo – www.gettyimages.com)
“So I wouldn’t be putting any money on making the team.”
Harrington made his Ryder Cup debut in 1999 and was a member of the victorious 2002, 2006 and 2010 teams.
And when asked what strength he would bring to Clarke’s team Harrington admitted a ‘different personality’.
“I am a different personality so I would probably bring (pause)… How will I put this? Everyone knows my personality and I will bring a bit more …. Well I am different and that will be a good thing in that sense,” he said.
Padraig Harrington reveals he’s accepted a European Ryder Cup team vice-captaincy role from Darren Clarke (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
“And if I there as a Vice Captain then I would love then to be appointed a European Ryder Cup Captain. Yes, I would.”
Harrington’s appointment would also be seen as a logical step towards being appointed European Team Captain for either the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris or 2020 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Whilst USA rival captain Davis Love 111 has named his five vice-captains Clarke is yet to name his five.
However the likes of Dane Thomas Bjorn and Scotland’s Paul Lawrie have already formally expressed interest in being among Clarke’s ‘deputies’ while there is the choice of Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and possibly David Howell should they not qualify automatically.
And Harrington also spoke of Clarke and what he brings to the European Team leadership role.
“I think that is a good thing that he’s in a position to dictate how the team is seen during the Ryder Cup,” said Harrington.
“Darren doesn’t want anybody throwing something out there he has to make a recovery from or explain, even if it is on the good side.
“It is up to him to be the front man and decide who the image is going to play out in the media, how much he plays at being an underdog or being favourite. That’s his job to dictate that. The only reason anybody in the backroom team should be speaking should be to toe the party line.”
Clarke surprised a good few observers with his leadership earlier this year in the inaugural EurAsia Cup and with Harrington believing he will also surprise the Americans come late September.
“Darren plays up to being the larger than life guy but behind the scenes he works really hard — a lot harder than people think,” said Harrington.
“He will leave no stone unturned to get a good job done. This big vivacious guy we see is a bit of a front. Behind the scenes, he is a very, very hard worker.”
