Bjorn: Harrington is ‘out of order’

THOMAS BJORN, chairman of the European Tour players’ committee, has heavily criticised Pádraig Harrington for his reaction to a possible tightening up of membership rules.

“I don’t believe in protectionism – I wonder if there may be a case for the European Union,” Harrington had been quoted as saying after hearing that players may have to increase their commitment to some European events next season.

The issue will be discussed at committee level again in Portugal next week, but Bjorn said: “I don’t know where Pádraig is coming from, and he always uses the press.