Open Champion Padraig Harrington has confirmed his intention to defend his Irish PGA title at the European Club this summer.

Harrington, who honed his links game on the Co Wicklow course before going on to triumph at Carnoustie the following week last year, will be aiming for a fifth domestic PGA title.

And, perhaps more importantly for the Dubliner, Harrington will again hope to benefit from competitive links golf on the hugely demanding Wicklow track before he travels to Royal Birkdale and bid for another Claret Jug.

"I  believe that the fantastic challenge provided by the European Club was the  ideal links golf preparation for The Open," Harrington explained today. "I  hope it proves to be the same in 2008."