Harrington Considering His Options – Betfred Blog

New European captain Padraig Harrington says he is already considering his options for the 2020 Ryder Cup as he ponders whether to reduce the number of wildcard picks he will make (Team USA 8/11, tie 11/1, Team Europe 11/8 – outright).

The Irishman was named as Thomas Bjorn’s replacement on Tuesday and he will lead the European team at Whistling Straits.

The three-time major winner has been involved in some heroic Ryder Cup battles over the years, six as a player and three as a vice-captain.

Harrington is expecting Rory McIlroy (12/1 Masters outright) to lead his team, despite McIlroy’s pro-PGA Tour comments made in Hawaii last week, and he has already got to work regarding his plans.

The 47-year-old believes the younger generation will stand a better chance at the course in Wisconsin and he admits he is currently working on how many wildcard selections to make.

“I’m getting some stats done at the moment on whether to go for three or four,” he told BBC Sport.

“My thinking is, does the ninth guy (on the qualifying list) ever get skipped over?

“I don’t think it has happened and I think players are more comfortable and more confident if they’ve qualified directly rather than getting a pick.

“So I’d prefer more players to qualify than if I picked them but I will have a look at those stats. Anecdotally number nine always gets a pick so why not let them qualify?”

England’s Matt Wallace (66/1 to win The Open Championship) will be looking to secure his place in the team after just missing out on Bjorn’s team in 2018.

Wallace is currently the world No.44 and he ended 2018 on a high. He recorded four top-20 finishes in a row and the 28-year-old will be confident of making Harrington’s team by the time the tournament starts.

Fellow countryman Eddie Pepperell will also be considered if he is able to build upon the promise he showed in 2018.

The Oxfordshire golfer won the British Masters and also finished in the top five at the Portugal Masters and Scottish Open.

Both Lucas Bjerregaard and Alexander Bjork could be a pair to watch, with both players finishing inside the top 20 during the Race to Dubai last year.

Odds subject to change