Padraig Harrington: "Come Sunday I will be picking my Ryder Cup side"

European Ryder Cup points for 2020 begin at this week's BMW PGA Championship, and Harrington is getting excited. 

Andy Roberts's picture
Fri, 20 Sep 2019
Padraig Harrington: "Come Sunday I will be picking my Ryder Cup side"

European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington has told BBC Sport Northern Ireland that he will already be picking his 2020 European Ryder Cup team following the conclusion of play at this week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The European Tour's flagship tournment of the season in Surrey tees off the 2020 European Ryder Cup points.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI on Wednesday afternoon, Harrington expressed his excitement and anticipation at how his team is going to shape up ahead of Europe's biennial clash with the United States at Whistling Straits from September 25 to 27, 2020. 

WATCH THE BBC INTERVIEW HERE

"I told myself at the start of the process that I'm not going to get involved in picking the team 12 months in advance," said Harrington.

"But now the points start this week and come Sunday I will be picking my team which is kind of silly."

The Irishman also reflected on the possibility of having Northern Irishmen and fellow major champions Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry in his lineup.

"I would be thrilled," said Harrington.

"The nine guys who make it will be good enough to be there. If a rookie plays himself in, like Shane - which you don't think of as a rookie - you will be delighted with that as well. They bring a lot of energy to the team and give a lot of purpose to the more experienced guys.

"Look at the end of the day, the nine guys will sort themselves out. It's the three picks that is the hard part. But if those players [McIlroy, McDowell and Lowry] three are in the nine or there or thereabouts, then I will certainly be thrilled."