Padraig Harrington is taking time away from the European Tour this week as he embarks on a commercial venture with Aer Lingus.
The Ryder Cup star has signed a five year deal with Ireland’s largest airline to promote their involvement in bringing the Ryder Cup to the K-Club, Co Kildare in 2005.
Harrington will feature in a commercial due to go on air in Ireland from next month and will run through to this year’s Ryder Cup at the Belfry in England in September. The world number 19 will also feature in a number of promotional campaigns, targeted at markets in Britain, Continental Europe and America.
"We are delighted to team up with Padraig for the next five years. The talent, style and professional approach of Padraig is an example for sportspeople everywhere. He will be a great asset to Aer Lingus as we focus on promoting our role in bringing the Ryder Cup to Ireland in 2005" said Aer Lingus Group Chief Executive Michael Foley.
Harrington, who is filming the commercial in Dublin today, took time out and gave his reaction to ireland.com: "Obviously I am thrilled to be working with such a reputable airline as Aer Lingus. It is important for me when traveling to events all over the world to have a strong association with an airline such as Aer Lingus."
Asked if this new commitment will affect his playing schedule, Harrington replied: "In this case, I have taken a week off and this is generally what I do, take care of sponsors’ commitments, get some practice in and spend time with my family."
He added: "This will not affect where I play in the world, instead it will make it easier from a logistical point of view to get to those events."
Harrington’s next tournament will be the Players Championship at Sawgrass in Florida next week. The 29-year-old Dubliner crosses the Atlantic as part of his preparations for the first major of the year, the US Masters in Augusta in three weeks time.