Harrington boosts Ryder Cup hopes with strong U.S showing

By: Sean O'Shea | Published Saturday, August 28, 2010, 8:40 AM | Updated Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:48 PM

Just two days before Colin Montgomerie picks the Ryder Cup side Padraig Harrington has been making a statement with a fine second round at the Barclays tournament in New Jersey.

Harrington shot a second round 68 and is just three shots behind the leader Australian Jason Day .

Harrington is not an automatic pick this year because of poor form and is dependent on a a captain's pick.

Many European-based pros think he has dissed he Ryder Cup by refusing to play in the European Tour this weekend which might have helped him qualify

Harrington is convinced he's doing the right thing however.

“A couple of days before the team is going to be picked, it’s nice to be showing a bit of form,’’ said Harrington, “I believe Monty should make a decision based on the full year, but it won’t do me any harm, let’s say.’’

Three other Ryder Cup hopefuls also trying to make the team are playing at the Barclays. Paul Casey (69) is 4 under, Justin Rose (69) is 1 under, and Luke Donald (72) is even.

All four will wait to hear tomorrow, following the final round of the European Tour event in Scotland, whether Montgomerie has selected them.

Harrington is a five-time Ryder Cup member but there are no guarantees.

“There’s a number of players who could be picked,’’ Harrington said, “and if anybody’s left out or picked, it’s not going to make a massive difference to the team. No player could say they have more than a marginal benefit to the team over any other player. It’s not easy for the captain, essentially.’’

US captain Corey Pavin won’t announce his final four members until Sept. 7.