'I still have a pure love for the game': Pádraig Harrington tees up for 500th European Tour event

"I couldn’t have dreamt of the career that I’ve had," said Harrington 

It's 31 years since Pádraig Harrington first played on the European Tour. Pic: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Pádraig Harrington will make his 500th start on the DP World Tour this week when he gets under way at the Qatar Masters. The Dubliner will play in a group featuring English duo Matt Wallace and Andy Sullivan.

Harrington, whose debut on the tour was at the K Club for the 1995 Smurfit European Open, is the 50th player to reach 500 events. His 2010 Ryder Cup teammate Ross Fisher was the most recent addition to the club a fortnight ago.