Padraig Harrington opts to undergo neck surgery in bid to be fit for the Open

The Open returns to Royal Birkdale in July for the first time since Harrington's win.

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has opted to undergo neck surgery in a bid to be fit for the Open's return to Royal Birkdale in July.

Harrington had hoped to avoid going under the knife after suffering from a trapped nerve since the end of last season, but announced his decision on social media on Tuesday.