Harrington in favour of European expansion

Padraig Harrington has welcomed the European Tour’s global expansion as he aims to kickstart his season in East Asia this week.

The Open champion lines up in the Ballantine’s Championship at Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island, competing against a strong field – despite the withdrawal of eight-time European number one Colin Montgomerie.

Speaking before the European Tour’s inaugural event in Korea, Harrington told PA Sport: “It is fantastic that the European Tour are always looking to move themselves forward and always working to improve the tour, so adding an event to the schedule like Korea is a positive step in my mind.”

Scotland’s Montgomerie has opted to take part in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Florida before the CA Championship – an event Harrington has chosen to skip as his preparation builds for The Masters in April.

The 36-year-old feels he performs best in the third week of tournament play and will play the Zurich Classic in New Orleans and the Shell Houston Open in the two weeks immediately before Augusta.

But the Irishman, a member on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour, is adamant the additional travelling involved in events like the Ballantine’s Championship is not a problem.

“I am a member on both European and US Tours, so I travel more than most – it is part of the job and not a problem if you schedule yourself properly,” he said.

Harrington would support further new events outside the traditional European boundary.

“If the event works in the schedule and benefits the members of the European Tour then I’d welcome it,” he added.

Harrington, who became the first player from Ireland in 60 years to capture the Claret Jug at the 136th Open Championship at Carnoustie last year, has his ambitions firmly set on adding another Major as the build-up to The Masters begins in earnest.

“I am very determined to add another Major. Having won one, I know how good it feels and I know I can do it – so it is certainly a goal,” he said.

“Obviously it would be great if it could be this season. Winning the sport’s most prestigious prize has allowed Harrington to reassess his aspirations.

“I know what I’m capable of, so my expectations have certainly increased,” he said.

“Others expect more of me too, because I am now a Major champion. It helps me in many ways, because not only do I have the belief that I can achieve more in my golf career but everyone around me does too – and the positive vibes certainly help.”

Harrington hopes victory at the Ballantine’s Championship can launch another memorable season.

“It would certainly be a great event to win – fantastic to get a win under my belt early season and to come out top in such a strong field,” he said.

“One of the perks of being a professional golfer is the amazing places we get to visit. I have heard fantastic things about the Pinx Golf Club, so it should make for a great week.”