Harrington set for NEC World Championship

Padraig Harrington, not expecting to become a father for another week now, intends to play in next week’s NEC World Championship in Akron, Ohio.

Originally not sure whether he would be competing in this week’s US PGA Championship, Harrington and his wife Caroline have been told that their baby, due this Monday, is likely to be several days’ late.

“She kicked me out of the door,” joked the Dubliner after a third-round 69 at Oak Hill had lifted him to seven over par in the final major of the year.

“Obviously next week is not the same as this one (in terms of importance), but I’m going to go there and then I’ll just make a decision if I get a call.”

Harrington was asked what would happen if he was in contention for the world title. He said he thought he would stay – and it was suggested to him that if he missed the birth and won the million-dollar first prize he could name the baby after the course. Firestone.

After surviving the halfway with nothing to spare Harrington changed the grip of his driver, but then this morning did not like the feel of it again and had it altered just before teeing off.

“I was amazed how much it affected me,” he said. “I hit three of my worst shots since I turned professional in the first three holes (a drive, an iron and a chip), but then I settled down.”