Pádraig Harrington in fitness battle to make PGA Championship tee-off

Pádraig Harrington was optimistic he would be fit enough to play in today’s opening round of the BMW PGA Championship and insisted a shoulder injury would not prevent him teeing up at next week’s Irish Open.

Three-time major champion Harrington withdrew from yesterday’s Pro-Am at Wentworth after suffering discomfort in his left shoulder on Tuesday night following a gym session.

“Working on the principle I’ve never pulled out of an event injured, I believe I’ll make it. I’m an optimist,” Harrington said yesterday of his chances of making his 12.40pm tee time alongside Shane Lowry and Branden Grace.