Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington says there is a definitely an advantage for the home side in the Ryder Cup.
The Rathfarnham native was today confirmed as one of four vice-captains for Thomas Bjorn’s 2018 team. Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood will join the Irishman as the side’s vice-captains.
The two-time British Open winner says the coaches understand and know how their players like a course to be set up.
Harrington joined Joe Molloy on Tuesday’s OTB.
"There is home advantage, no doubt about it. I’m not just talking support, in terms of the crowd but definitely golf course. There’s a fine line. We know what suits European players. European golf courses are much narrower than U.S golf courses. We have much heavier rough in Europe, and we tend to have slightly slower greens."
He says global players can adjust easier, due to the fact they compete on both tours.
“Yes, global players can adjust but certainly the slow greens. We would be more familiar with that compared to the U.S. They putt faster greens, in general.”
Harrington thinks a more level playing field will be set up in the future. The former USPGA champion says he believes a neutral referee and course set up will come into play in future competitions.
Those little things I would see in not too distant future, not a neutral venue but a neutral referee coming in, or a neutral set up to the golf course because the teams are so well balanced.
The captain of the home team has full control of course set up throughout the week.
"You don’t necessarily want having home advantage as a big difference but at the moment that is the case. The home captain gets to set the golf course up, all the way until the Monday of the tournament,’ said Harrington.
You can listen to the interview above on our Youtube channel
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