Harrington will compete in the USPGA

Padraig Harrington will compete in the USPGA despite the imminent birth of the Harrington's first child.

Padraig Harrington will compete in the USPGA despite the imminent birth of the Harrington's first child.

"Caroline is due next Monday, but the doctor was of the opinion last Friday that, if anything, it will be late," said Harrington waiting on the birth of their first child.

"We decided there was no point waiting at home. The worst thing would be sitting there all the way through the event and nothing happens.

"It is a big moment and it was a difficult decision, but hopefully it is the right decision and all will go well regardless of whether I am there or not."

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Harrington said the point might even come where he will miss the birth in pursuit of his first major title.

"If I was to get a call on Saturday and I am doing well I am going to hang around," he added.

The Dubliner is the top ranked European in the field, ninth in the world, and makes up a 29-strong European contingent at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

The number of Europeans would have been greater had the last three British major winners not withdrawn. Nick Faldo's (Masters '96) third wife Valerie gave birth two weeks ago, Ian Woosnam's (Masters '91) father died and Paul Lawrie (Open 1999) is suffering from a neck problem.