• European Tour

Harrington: Only a fool would bet on me at Irish Open

ESPN staff
June 27, 2012
Padraig Harrington tied for fourth at the US Open earlier this month © Getty Images
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Padraig Harrington does not feel his form justifies a short-odds price at the Irish Open - but he does expect an Irishman to walk away with the trophy at Royal Portrush.

Three Irish players - Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Harrington - are at the head of the betting for the event, with expectation growing for an emotional home win.

The Irish Open will take place in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1953, and Royal Portrush has seen McDowell and Darren Clarke treading its fairways since their youth. McIlroy, meanwhile, fired a 61 at the course when he was just 16.

Harrington, a three-time major winner, also arrives in decent form, having tied for fourth at the US Open earlier this month. However, he seems to feel the other leading candidates represent better value for punters.

"A number of Irish players are playing very well, so I think there's a great chance of an Irish winner," Harrington told Sky Sports. "Somebody told me my odds were 10/1. I wouldn't even go close to backing me at that - what a ridiculous thing. The bookies are taking advantage there.

"I was 80/1 to win the US Open a couple of weeks ago, which was nice value. But 10/1 … it's not that easy to win a golf tournament, I can tell you. [But] I believe I have a chance."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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