Padraig Harrington has positioned himself well for a top ten finish at the US Open this evening, after shooting a round of three under par yesterday, to leave him in a tie for 15th.
Only two Europeans - Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland - lie ahead of him in the standings, with Matt Fitzpatrick also in a tie for 15th, and shows once again that the 51-year-old can still kick it with the best.
Coupled with some of the promising golf he displayed at the recent PGA Championship, Harrington as an option for the Ryder Cup does not seem wholly far-fetched given the lack of depth in Europe.
The popular No Laying Up podcast also touched on this possibility, and while some of their chat was tongue-in-cheek, they do pose the question whether now is the time we start to think of Harrington as a Ryder Cup contender.
TC: Do we need to start talking about Padraig for the European Ryder Cup team?
DJ: Such a sick take.
Soly: Are we there, are we there at this point?
TC: He can do it all..... Padraig could be assistant captain, he could be a locker room guy, he could be a swing coach.
DJ: Maybe they just kind of go with 11. Make him like a playing option almost.
Soly: Only for the singles match.
DJ: Ye like 'hey man, if we need to break that glass, get your uniform, suit up. You're probably not going in the game, but just in case'.
Could Padraig Harrington Be A Ryder Cup Dark Horse?
Live the Killhouse: Saturday US Open Recap
Wyndham. Rick. Rory. Scottie.
We got a golf tournament.
Presented by @highnoonsunsips
YouTube: https://t.co/OvVikyU7sA https://t.co/bqflGcLHFK— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 18, 2023
READ HERE: Padraig Harrington Feels There Is Just One Thing Stopping Him From Major Contention
The selection format for the European team for this year's Ryder Cup gives captain Luke Donald the option of six captain's picks, rather than the usual two or three.
This gives a greater chance to those further down the rankings, while the format of the Ryder Cup will also suit Harrington given his age, as the rounds are shorter and he would not have to play four.
Looking at the European options, after the obvious big names such as McIlroy, Rahm, Hovland, Rose, Fleetwood, Hatton, Lowry, and Fitzpatrick, there are no stand out choices.
And, with the likes of Westwood, Garcia, Poulter, and Casey out of contention, Donald could look into the possibility of having another 'old-head' in the side.
SEE ALSO: When Harrington, Mickelson, And Montgomerie Threw Away The 2006 US Open
