For all the hand-wringing within golf surrounding the absenteeism from the Olympics of the highest ranked players in the men’s game, there are plenty of grateful replacements delighted to fly the flag for their sport and embrace the spirit of the Games in Rio this week.

Padraig Harrington says he has “massive sympathy” for Rory McIlroy over golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016.

Padraig Harrington has no need to worry about Tiger Woods as he tries for the win tomorrow which will take him top of Europe’s Order of Merit.

Life appears to have begun again at 30 for Padraig Harrington - and Welshman Phillip Price will be hoping it goes on for one more day at least.