Paul McGinley on Padraig Harrington's chances at The Open and Rory McIlroy's superstar status

Harrington lifted the famous Claret Jug for the second year in a row in 2008 and has been in good form recently in the US Senior Open

STILL COMPETITIVE: Pádraig Harrington chips to the green on the 11th hole during the first round of the US Open golf tournament recently. Picture: AP Photo/George Walker IV

The weather gods may be against Padraig Harrington as far as Paul McGinley is concerned but Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup-winning captain is not ruling out the 54-year-old from making an impact at The Open Championship next week.

Harrington successfully defended his US Senior Open crown in Ohio last weekend to add a fourth over-50s major to the three that have earned him World Golf Hall of Fame status. And next week will see him return to the scene of his most famous back-to-back success, when he lifted the Claret Jug for the second year in a row with his victory at Royal Birkdale in 2008.