Padraig Harrington has revealed he is not fully fit for the defence of his Open Championship title.
The Wilson professional, who won the Irish PGA Championship last week, arrived at Royal Birkdale with an injured right wrist and has been unable to prepare fully for the Major.
He managed nine holes at the Southport course on Tuesday but avoided playing any shots out of the rough because of concerns he could aggravate the condition.
"If it wasn''t the Open I would have pulled out," said Harrington.
"I would have had treatment and then decided I couldn''t risk it. But because it''s Open week I''ll make the effort."
The Irishman, who lifted the Claret Jug 12 months ago after defeating Sergio Garcia in a playoff at Carnoustie, has been paired with 1997 Open champion Justin Leonard and two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen for the first two rounds at Royal Birkdale. |