Pádraig planning to be playing in Paris

PADRAIG HARRINGTON insists his goal is to play in the 2018 Ryder Cup at the age of 47.

The struggling Dubliner has been tipped as a potential European skipper in Paris in seven years’ time.

But he believes he is about to play the best golf of his life and is fully focused on winning what could be his 10th Ryder Cup cap at Le Golf National.

Gunning to become a Ryder Cup golden oldie, Harrington said: “In my head, at the this very moment, I will be playing.

“As much as I’d love to captain the team, I am very much a player at the moment and potentially going to play the best golf of my life.

“I know I turn 40 this year but in my head I feel pretty young and ready to go.”

Paris were the long-time favourites for the 2018 Ryder Cup despite late support for Madrid following the death of Seve Ballesteros 10 days ago.

But Harrington believes despite the high emotions, the best of the five candidates venues got the nod in the end.

Thrilled for France and its players, Harrington told RTÉ: “It is a tremendous achievement and I think one that’s well deserved. They have given an awful lot to the European Tour over the years in terms of players and the event and I think going there gives a degree of certainty.

“We all know it is one of the best golf courses in Europe and well suitable for holding the Ryder Cup. It’s the safe bet, let’s say. You are guaranteed a great Ryder Cup.”

Harrington believes the European Tour can still honour Ballesteros by replacing its logo with new version featuring the iconic image of Seve punching the air.

Harrington said: “When they brought out the new logo two years ago I said, why couldn’t we use something with more connection for us at the time.

“It is an iconic image of Seve punching the air in St Andrews, it’s the one he had tattooed on his arm and would look fantastic on the European logo.

“He is an iconic figure — the heart of the European Tour.”

Nursing a knee problem ahead of next week’s BMW PGA at Wentworth, the six-time Ryder Cup star reckons his game is on the right track.

Dismissing his slump, he said: “I like what I see. Things have to be brought to the absolute 100% but I am happy with the direction and the understanding I have at the moment and I like what I see on the golf course.”