Harrington tries new defence

Golf:Pádraig Harrington today tried a new tack with the sections of the media that still question the wisdom of European captain Colin Montgomerie's decision to offer him a wild card for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

The three-time Major winner, who failed to win a single game at Valhalla or the K Club, taking just one point from a possible nine, insists points are not everything.

Having not won a tournament for two years, he would also be happy for his poor record to continue as long as Europe regain the trophy at Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course this weekend.

Montgomerie, who clearly expects his veteran selection to deliver some vital points for his side, has urged people to judge Harrington on Monday when the result - weather permitting - will be known.

The Dubliner admits he has to defend his position on the team after being selected ahead of Paul Casey and Justin Rose, but like all good Ryder Cuppers, he reiterated today that the team is his main concern.

"I would gladly have the same results as I personally had in 2006 (half a point from five games) for a winning week," Harrington said. "That's all that counts, is whether the team wins.

"A person can influence his team-mates so much in the back room that it affects the result. Individual scores can be nice, but I know I won my singles match in 1999 (before Europe lost at Brookline) and was on the greatest high ever, for about two minutes. And then it was as disappointed as I'd ever been.

"I certainly realised in that moment it is all about the team. If we can get a win this week, everybody will have an effect on it, regardless of the points they get and when they do it.

"The classic is Seve (Ballesteros) in his last Ryder Cup against Tom Lehman. He drew out that match so long, he still lost, but the momentum that he gave to the rest of his team, because of the way he fought that out, was tremendous. So you can't always judge it just on pure results."

Harrington's form on the course was effusively praised by Montgomerie yesterday, after he made two eagles and saw a 40ft putt lip out for another.

It was not quite the same story this morning, when he struggled badly over the opening few holes, but he got it together later in the round and is unfazed by what he shoots in the run-up to the Friday’s big tee-off.

"Today I started poorly and played well after that. It doesn't really count for much. Friday morning onwards you've got to start good and keep going."

Harrington partnered Ross Fisher today, losing narrowly to Lee Westwood and Peter Hanson over 10 holes, but would not be drawn on who he will be alongside come Friday.

"We have a good idea at this stage who we are going to be paired up with," he added. "I certainly can say I have an idea within three or four people, is that enough?

"The best way to do it is pair me with 11 people. I'll agree with 10 of them and the 11th I'll deny it and that's probably the guy I'll play with."