Despite disqualification Padraig will stay in Abu Dhabi to make the most of his time
An upbeat Pádraig Harrington said he would spend his unscheduled three days off utilising Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s top-class practice facilities following his disqualification from the 2011 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which ends Sunday in the UAE capital.
The Irishman, who was just one shot behind leader Charl Schwartzel after the opening day, was disqualified following an incident that occurred on the seventh green during which he accidentally touched his ball while replacing his marker.
Yet the typically optimistic Irishman put a positive face on by saying he would take advantage of Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s excellent facilities to work on recent changes he has made to his swing.
“True, it was disappointing to find myself out of the Championship, but at least I now have time to practice my swing, which I really enjoy,” said the three-time Major winner. “I plan to stay in Abu Dhabi for the next few days, making the most of the excellent practice facilities here at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club preparing for my next tournament and enjoying the wonderful hospitality provided by HSBC and Emirates Palace."
Earlier, he admitted he was disappointed about his disqualification but suggested that the incident had highlighted how the rules of golf were highly respected for their fairness.
“The one thing that all players love about golf is the fact that we can stand up and say we have the best rules that are also the fairest. Yes, it’s disappointing for me, but you know what? A lot worse things could happen, and I have plenty of things to work on over the next two days on the Abu Dhabi Golf Club range.”
Andy McFee, the European Tour’s senior referee, said the Rules Committee never questioned Harrington’s intentions at the time of the incident. “I don’t know what else Pádraig could have done under the circumstances, and technology has not helped the player in this instance. Pádraig has been gentleman enough to accept that.”
The 2011 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), runs at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club until 23 January. Boasting a total purse of US$2.7 million, making it the richest on the Desert Swing leg of the European Tour, it features a stellar line up, including the world number one Lee Westwood, all four Major champions and six of the world’s top 10 players.
