Harrington predicts "close" Ryder Cup

Padraig Harrington. Picture: USGA

Padraig Harrington believes Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team has a “great chance” of becoming the first side to win an away match since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.

The Dubliner (54) led a transitional team that lost 19-9 at Whistling Straits in 2021 but with Donald counting on 11 of the 12 men that won in Rome two years ago, he’s optimistic about Europe’s chances at Bethpage Black later this month.

"I think the European team is very strong and in great form, and I think that gives them a great chance,” Harrington said ahead of his 30th consecutive appearance in the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club.

"I think the US Team is slight favourites based on home advantage, but I really do think Luke is bringing a very strong team over there.

"They're going to be well prepared and will give Europe every chance to win away from home, which is clearly very difficult to do. But I think it's going to be a good match. I think it's going to be close.”

Harrington later said that were the match to be played at a neutral venue, he’d make Europe favourites.

But he knows that getting the job done in front of a partisan US crowd will be a major challenge,

“I think Luke would give them the slight edge because of home advantage,” added Harrington, who vowed to watch every shot. “But it will be close.”