Smyth backs Harrington’s decision to stay Stateside
Harrington has attracted much criticism by electing to remain in America after missing the halfway cut in last week’s USPGA Championship in order to prepare for next week’s FedEx Cup opener in New Jersey.
Many would believe Harrington’s stance adds weight to speculation the triple Major champion has been informed by captain Colin Montgomerie that he will be picked when Montgomerie finalises his 12-man team Sunday week at Gleneagles.
Smyth was vice-captain to Ian Woosnam when Europe thumped the USA by nine points at the K Club in 06, and the Drogheda man has no qualms with Harrington.
“Pádraig made it very clear at the start of the season what his schedule would be so he can’t walk away from his commitments because of the Ryder Cup as organisers build their tournament around him being present,” said Smyth. “How many other players can Monty choose who have won three Majors?
“Also I was the vice-captain at the K Club and Pádraig was just fantastic in the locker room. He’s a great guy and while his on-course record may not be that good, in the team room Padraig is invaluable. He’s a natural leader and an obvious future European team captain.”
Smyth was commenting ahead of today’s Scottish Seniors Open on the Torrance course at St Andrews Bay. And after watching TV coverage of the efforts of the Irish last week in the US PGA Championship, Smyth is very critical of organisers in allowing spectators to congregate in the bunker that brought Dustin Johnson undone last Sunday.
“We played the US Senior Open there in 2007 and I can’t remember if we had that rule but then that’s the problem with Pete Dye courses because they’re funky,” said Smyth.
“I’ve never liked his design work as I am more of a traditionalist.
“I know the rules were very clear but the organisers are to blame as they should never have had the people standing in those bunkers down 18.”
And Smyth has sounded a warning to US PGA officials ahead of the 2012 championship at the Pete Dye-designed Kiawah Island course in South Carolina.
“We were at Kiawah Island in 2007 for the US Senior PGA and the crazy thing is that they had a special rule that week where you could ground your club in all the bunkers,” said Smyth. “That’s the confusion with Pete Dye courses and it’s not good for the game.”
Meanwhile Peter Hanson lurks as the biggest danger to first round leader Shiv Kapur at the Czech Open and to Paul Casey in the Ryder Cup race.
The 32-year-old Swede will oust the absent Casey from Europe’s top nine with victory at the Prosper Resort in Celadna on Sunday, and a five-under-par 67 has left him just one behind Kapur.
Hanson lies 15th in the points race, but there is a £272,640 first prize and, as one of only two of the world’s top 50 in the field, it is a golden opportunity.
The other is Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez. Currently eighth on the cup table, he started with a 71 and should be concerned about the possibility of being overtaken by Hanson as well.
English trio Simon Dyson, Oliver Wilson and Ross McGowan are also chasing a spot in Colin Montgomerie’s side and they shot 70, 72 and 73 respectively.
Asked about the controversial decision of Casey — and also Harrington and Luke Donald, both of whom are just outside a qualifying spot — not to enter next week’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, Hanson stated his view.
“If you have a chance to make the team or especially if you want a pick (like Justin Rose, another stay-away) it might be good to play,” he said.
After two weeks in America during which he was eighth at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational — that made him top European –— Hanson made the long trip after asking for and receiving a sponsor’s invitation on Monday.
“That gave me the chance to get into the team and the tournament organisers have been very nice to me,” he added.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
