Pádraig Harrington: Stenson exit will not affect Europe's Ryder Cup preparations 

The former skipper says there's plenty of time to prepare for the US showdown. 

EURO VISION: Pádraig Harrington during day two of The Open at the Old Course last week.

Former Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington insists Henrik Stenson's departure will not affect preparations for next year's event in Rome.

The Swede is understood to be on the verge of signing up for the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Golf Series and, after discussions with Ryder Cup Europe officials, the decision was made to effectively sack him "in light of decisions made in relation to his personal circumstances".