Padraig Harrington will copy former captain Thomas Bjorn and get a tattoo if Team Europe wins Ryder Cup
PADRAIG HARRINGTON will copy former Europe captain Thomas Bjorn if he wins the Ryder Cup – and get a tattoo.
The Dane had the score from Paris in 2018 inked on his backside after the Americans were famously sent packing.
And Irish skipper Harrington, 50, has no qualms about doing the same after making a promise to his men.
The 2021 captain said: “I am delighted that that’s all they ask for, but I’d have given up a lot more. So yes, I will be getting a tattoo.
“If my team produces a winning week, I will be getting a tattoo to mark the occasion.
“I’m very comfortable that they only asked that much of me because I would have given more.
“I think it’s an unwritten rule, so it has come up, yes, in conversation.
“Maybe they didn’t ask. Maybe I offered and they felt that was enough.
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Harrington continued: “But definitely, yeah, it’s a given now in Europe. Captain has to get a tattoo.
“And I don’t have any other tattoos at this stage, so it would be a new experience for me.
“Where on the body? I don’t know. Depends how long it is.”
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has been preparing for the Ryder Cup in happy-go-lucky style by embracing his inner Happy Gilmore.
McIlroy is a huge fan of the slapstick golf movie, which is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of its release.
And after sending a tongue-in-cheek message of congratulations to Adam Sandler, the hit film’s star and co-writer, the pair have agreed to meet up on a golf course, and compare their run and hit techniques.
McIlroy was only seven when Happy Gilmore was released but says he has watched it countless times over the years, and was determined to mark its special anniversary.
The 2016 and 2019 Tour Championship winner used his Twitter account to pay tribute to his ‘fellow champion’.
McIlroy said: “Hey Adam, It’s Rory here, fellow Tour Championship winner. I just want to say sorry you can’t be here this week. We all wish you were.
“I’ve got a gold jacket and a replica Calamity Jane putter to commemorate your win at the Tour Championship.
“I just want to say thanks for all the laughs you’ve given us over the years. Happy Gilmore’ is one of my favourite movies.
“You’re awesome. I’d love to meet you one day. Hopefully, we can catch up soon.”
The camera then zooms in on Happy Gilmore’s honorary clubhouse locker at the Tour Championship venue, East Lake in Atlanta.
Sandler clearly appreciated the gesture, immediately replying with a Twitter message of his own, saying: “Love you Rory. Thanks for the kind words.
“Look forward to playing with you all real soon.”