Wild card Pádraig can be King of Clubs in Wales

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON, a palpably decent and likeable man, a Dubliner, a millionaire sportsman, an Irish sporting icon, represents the most fascinating human element of the Ryder Cup in Wales for those of us who have what could be called a lukewarm catholic interest in golf.

He is an enigma wrapped around a complex paradox when it involves his game.

He is a wild card choice for Celtic Manor. Maybe he is always a wild card in the rarefied sphere of golf at the very top level. In that sense his progress in any tournament or competition is always compelling viewing. You never know which Harrington is going to turn up on the day.