Harrington puts focus firmly on World Cup

Padraig Harrington returns to the scene of his greatest triumph this week, desperately trying to forget the controversy which stopped him celebrating his latest victory.

Harrington partnered Paul McGinley to victory in the World Cup at Kiawah Island in 1997, and is back at the same venue this week to try and repeat the trick.

But the events of last Sunday at the Seve Trophy are still playing on the Irishman’s mind following Great Britain and Ireland’s victory over Continental Europe.

Harrington ensured the holders would retain the trophy at El Saler but his crucial half point against Jose Maria Olazabal was a cause for consternation rather than celebration after a rules dispute.

The former Ryder Cup team-mates were on the third green in their singles when Olazabal pointed to what he thought were pitch marks which he would be allowed to repair if they were.

Harrington had his doubts and thought a referee was needed, but as he turned to look for the official following their game, Olazabal started his repair work - and when Harrington spoke to him the Spanish star conceded the hole.

There was a stony silence between the two as the match progressed. But after Harrington birdied the last for a half, the pair spent 15 minutes talking beside the green and at the end of it still appeared to be at loggerheads.

The Dubliner then said: “It is not worth losing a friend over, but we had 15 very awkward holes after that – big time.

“I was not trying to question his integrity. But that is what he thought, and I can 100% see his side. I certainly won’t be celebrating, and it is not the way I would have liked to get a half point.”

Now Harrington knows he must try and put the problem to the back of his mind until he and Olazabal meet again – possibly at the Hong Kong Open in December which Harrington is scheduled to play and Olazabal won two years ago.

“This is the great thing about golf, there is always another week,” Harrington said.

“If you lose a tournament or the tournament doesn’t go well, the minute you tee it up the following week, your focus goes to the future and you tend to leave the past behind.

“Nothing has happened since Sunday night, we have to see how time goes along. Obviously it’s something that’s said and done now. It’s in the past.

“There’s nothing more to say until we meet again. We had a good conversation afterwards and it’s something, considering a big week like this, I certainly have to keep out of my mind and leave it in the past. There’s nothing I can say or do now.

“He told me he was taking two or three months off so I’m not too sure what his schedule is. I have to concentrate on the job at hand and that’s this week. There’s no point in thinking or worrying about it.”