GOLF EUROPEAN TOUR:PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON has confirmed that he will play in the Vivendi Cup as he looks to hone his game ahead of taking his place in the European Team for the Ryder Cup.
The three-time major champion will join fellow Ryder Cup teammates Peter Hanson and Edoardo Molinari, as well as vice-captains Thomas Björn and Paul McGinley, in the field for the €1,250,000 tournament at Golf de Joyenval, in Paris, from September 23rd-26th.
It will be the Dubliner’s first appearance on European soil since he finished second in the Irish Open at Killarney where he carded a superb final round 64.
Harrington will head to Paris hoping to capture his 15th European Tour title and first since his victory in the 2008 US PGA Championship – the third of his major wins after back-to-back British Open Championships in 2007 and 2008.
This year’s US PGA champion Martin Kaymer makes his European homecoming this week admitting his excitement is already growing ahead of the Ryder Cup. The German returns to action for the first time since his major triumph last month.
His success at Whistling Straits will be quickly followed by his Ryder Cup debut at Celtic Manor, and, after his recent break, Kaymer is eager to get going again.
“I had a three-week vacation straight after the win, which was very nice,” he said.
“This is a very nice week for me to play because it is close to home. It was only a two-hour drive and my family and some friends are coming over this week.”
After coming up slightly short for Valhalla two years ago, Kaymer breezed in this time around with his big win across the Atlantic.
“Two years ago I really felt the pressure to get into the Ryder Cup team but this year is very different,” he admitted.
“I qualified easily by winning the PGA and I see this week as a good way to get ready for the Ryder Cup.
“It is nice for me to come back to Holland where I used to come with my parents in the past because it is so close to home.
“My expectations are a lot higher today than they were when I last played the KLM (two years ago).
“We will see how it goes after three weeks off but I feel good, rested and I think I am ready to win again.”
Ryder Cup team-mates Ross Fisher – a winner of the Dutch Open three years ago – and Francesco Molinari are in the field in Holland, the latter seeking a first win since he lifted the 2006 Italian Open.
Kaymer’s fellow 2010 golden boy, British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, will be also among the contenders in Hilversum.
The South African says he is still working towards a return to normality following his own major success earlier this year.
“Things are a lot different away from the golf course now,” he admitted.
“I have a bit more responsibility as the Open champion whereas beforehand I was very happy to sneak under the radar at tournaments. That doesn’t really happen anymore.
“I have taken a bit of time to settle and focus on the golf again but every week is getting a little easier, so hopefully this week is the turning point.”
Eight Irish will be in contention this weekend: Peter Lawrie, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Shane Lowry, Simon Thornton, Gareth Maybin, Damien McGrane and Michael Hoey.
The Lowdown
Course– Hilversumsche Golf Club, Hilversum, Netherlands.
Length– 6,906 yards (6,315 metres).
Par– 70.
Prize-money– €1.4 million, (€300,000 for winner).
Layout– Tree-lined, parkland course.
Defending champion– Simon Dyson (Eng). Runners-up: Peter Hedblom (Swe) Peter Lawrie (Irl).
Irish– Peter Lawrie (today's tee-time, 7.40am, Irish-time); Simon Thornton (8.55am); Paul McGinley (12.10pm); Darren Clarke (12.20pm); Shane Lowry (12.50pm); Gareth Maybin (1.10pm); Damien McGrane (1.25pm); Michael Hoey (1.25pm).
On TV– Sky Sports 3 (Today: 10.30-12.30, 15.30-17.30).
Weather forecast– Showers expected today; however, tomorrow and Saturday should be dry. Threat of thunderstorms on Sunday.
