Harrington recovery on track

Padraig Harrington believes he’s right on track with his recovery from knee surgery.

Ireland’s triple major champion, 38, had keyhole surgery on his right knee seven days ago but insists he’ll be fit to challenge for the US Open at Pebble Beach in a fortnight.

Harrington said: “I’m in great form. Everything is going to plan and I’ll be back in action at the St Jude Classic in Memphis next week.”

Holywood star Rory McIlroy will have to outgun defending champion Tiger Woods if he is to capture his second US Tour title of the season in the $6m Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio.

But the rest of Ireland’s tour stars will tee it up at the Celtic Manor Wales Open with Graeme McDowell and Peter Lawrie flying high after top-10 finishes in the Madrid Masters.

Up to 44th in the world thanks to his fourth place finish behind Luke Donald, McDowell said: “I really got some good feelings back and I am taking some good form to Wales.” 

McDowell and Lawrie are joined by Philip Walton, 48, who is making a rare European Tour appearance thanks to a sponsor’s invite.

Paul McGinley, Irish Open champion Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Damien McGrane, Simon Thornton and Gary Murphy complete the Irish challenge.