Pádraig out to emerge from Rory’s shadow

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON signalled his intention not to slide into Rory McIlroy’s shadow as he confirmed his participation in his “fifth major”, next month’s Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland.

The three-time major champion will return to Killarney Golf & Fishing Club on July 28-31, a year on from finishing runner-up behind Ross Fisher.

Having been the centre of Irish golfing attention after back-to-back British Open wins in 2007 and 2008 and his US PGA triumph in that second year, Harrington has been forced to make way for rising star McIlroy, whose ascendancy to top-dog status was confirmed 10 days ago at Congressional Country Club when the 22-year-old became US Open champion.

Now down to 54th in the world rankings, Harrington, the 2007 Irish Open champion, is determined to regain former heights.

“I certainly don’t relish being in the shadows,” Harrington said. “I’ve always said it’s hard to be a rival of Rory. If you ever have a conversation with him, you always walk away thinking, ‘this is a nice guy’. He’s one of the most confident guys I’ve ever come across without a hint of arrogance.

“So it’s hard to be a rival but I’m still motivated about doing my own things in golf. I really don’t feel like it’s a competition with Rory, or Graeme (McDowell) for that matter. But certainly, I’m well motivated in my own sense and don’t need those external factors.

“As far as I’m concerned, him winning majors is great. I suppose if I tee up at any major and I don’t win, I’m happy to see him win but first and foremost I’m trying to win. Like with a lot of professional golfers, it’s not really a competition with anyone else. It’s a competition with yourself.”

All three Irish major champions — Harrington, McIlroy and McDowell — will be at Killarney next month, alongside defending champion Fisher and European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, all of whom were confirmed as entrants yesterday. For Harrington, the tournament remains the most important event in his schedule after the majors. “I’ve always said the Irish Open is the fifth biggest tournament for me. Obviously you have the four majors, then for me winning my national Open is a must in your career.

“Luckily, the Irish Open is one of the best events in Europe — and one of the biggest — and is a prestigious tournament in its own right, especially moving back to Killarney. I grew up in the 80s when it was one of the premier events on tour and it is certainly building in stature.”

Indeed, the Dubliner said last year’s tournament had also regained some of the atmosphere he experienced as a youngster visiting Irish Opens in the 1980s.

“I would have grown up with the Irish Open at Portmarnock when the crowds were there and for whatever reason all I can remember is sunnier weather. I can remember beautiful sunny days, massive crowds and Killarney felt like that last year. It just had tremendous atmosphere around it.

“It’s an exciting golf course and last year I felt it was one of the more exciting events I’ve played on the tour.”