TRIPLE major-winning Pádraig Harrington has labelled as “protectionism” any move by the European Tour to introduce a series of core tournaments its members will have to contest to retain automatic membership.

IT WAS only after “a good, lively debate” here this week that Colin Montgomerie was given his third ‘wild card’ pick for the 2009 Ryder Cup match at Celtic Manor, Wales.

Bernhard Langer has refused to distance himself from a possible return as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain but insisted he would only take the position if he were asked.

WATERVILLE'S David Higgins recently proclaimed in this column that "I will get my card back this year, of that I have no doubt."