Harrington must play to strengths

OVER the years, we’ve produced more than our fair share of golfing greats, all multiple winners from Bradshaw, Daly and O’Connor Snr. to today’s crop of superstars McIlroy, McDowell and Harrington.

Of these, there is one outstanding world great, Pádraig Harrington. Of course, his record demands respect, but on current form I would argue that his game also demands greater scrutiny and honesty.

Of immediate importance to Harrington is the possibility that — unless his form improves dramatically — he will shortly lose his world top 50 ranking and with it the option to participate in the highly lucrative World Championship events, the money from which counts on both the PGA and European Tour Order of Merits. His absence from these events will also compromise his ability to pick up much valued world ranking points.