In this, the 40th anniversary year of the famous Ryder Cup victory at Lindrick, a family link has been established with that triumphant British and Irish side. Patrick Bradshaw, Harry's nephew, is here at Valderrama to officiate later this week.
As an official of the PGA Irish Region, he acted as a referee during the opening series of foursomes at the Belfry in 1993 when Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer thrashed Paul Azinger and Payne Stewart by 7 and 6. He also had charge of Colin Montgomerie's win over Lee Janzen in the Sunday singles.
On this occasion, Bradshaw's assignment is to referee the second foursomes match on Friday afternoon and the third singles match on Sunday. "I don't care who I get provided it's not Darren Clarke," he said. "That would be a little tricky." He added: "This is my first visit here and the course looks magnificent."
His famous uncle, who didn't play in the foursomes on the opening day, was given the anchor role in the 36-hole singles matches and gained a halved match with Dick Meyer.
Meanwhile, Sean Quinn, owner of the Slieve Russell, is also here, but with a bit of a problem. "I'm trying to find some bar where I can watch the All-Ireland final on Sunday," he said.
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