Pádraig back in world’s top 10

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON returned to the world’s top ten as a result of tying for 2nd in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at the weekend but the picture isn’t quite so bright for most of the other leading Irishmen.

Rory McIlroy’s slide down the list continues as a result of another disappointing performance at Firestone. A share of 68th may have improved his bank balance by another €28,019 but he is now down to 29th in the world having been 16th after his victory in the Dubai Desert Classic in February. The 20-year-old prodigy has fared relatively well in the majors so far this year (20th in the Masters, 10th in the US Open and 47th in the Open) and will hope for another good week in the US PGA starting at Hazeltine, Minnesota, on Thursday.

McIlroy remains nicely placed in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai order of merit, 6th with a total of €1,374, 653 to his credit after the Bridgestone.