Paddy gives Daddy new head cover

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON is sporting a novel head cover at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship – a ladybird.

Harrington’s son Paddy went ‘on line’ and with the help of his mum, Caroline purchased a red-and-black ladybird cover for his father’s 3-wood.

At the 2007 British Open at Carnoustie young Paddy endeared himself to the sports world when quizzing his victorious father if he could fill the Claret Jug with ladybirds.

“I was really thrilled when Paddy presented me with the present at Christmas,” said Harrington.

“I’m also proud of his internet skills as he did well to track down a ladybird cover, given that a ladybird is not one of the more common head covers out here. Then when he did, Caroline arranged the payment so here I am with a ladybird cover on my 3-wood.”

However to appease Wilson, Harrington’s had his equipment sponsor sew-in the Wilson Staff logo at the bottom of the cover.

Meanwhile Rory McIlroy heads into his fourth full season on the European Tour looking to overcome the break up from long-time girlfriend Holly Sweeney .

“It was a tough decision and yes, one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make,” said McIlroy.

“It meant I didn’t have a great couple of weeks before Christmas but you’ve got to do what’s right for yourself.

“I don’t really want to go into a lot of details but me and Holly talk every day. We still get on great. I think we both understand what we want and that’s basically what it is. Being a professional golfer can be very selfish but the good thing is we’re still friends. So I want to put this time into my golf and that’s it.”