Padraig Harrington withdraws from British Open

July 12, 2005

Padraig Harrington, an Irish golfer currently ranked ninth in the Official World Golf Rankings, has pulled out of the British Open at St Andrews to be with his family. The top golfer's father, Patrick, passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. Harrington's place in the competition will be filled by Sweden's Henrik Stensen.

Patrick Harrington who was a former garda, was diagnosed with cancer in March when Padraig won his first US tour title. Patrick who was 72 played in two All-Ireland Football Finals with Cork.

Padraig Harrington, who turns 34 next month, has played on three Ryder Cup teams for Europe and has won numerous European and international competitions.