Harrington pledges winnings to cancer research
Tuesday, 15 Aug 2006 16:49
Clarke, McGinley and Harrington at happier times two years ago with the Ryder Cup
Padraig Harrington has pledged to donate his winnings from this week's US PGA Championship to help fund research into breast cancer.
His gesture comes after the sad death of close friend Heather Clarke, 39, the wife of Irish golfer Darren Clarke, on Sunday.
Harrington, along with Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjorn and Lee Westwood, had all considered pulling out of the season's final major in Medinah but have been urged to play by Clarke. Paul McGinley, Clarke's closest friend, has however withdrawn.
"Darren made it clear he wanted the players to play," Harrington told the Irish Independent. "Travelling over here I wasn't too sure what the situation was going to be.
"I think my decision would be different if I was still at home but in view of what Darren has said, I've decided to stay. He has made it a lot easier for everybody, as he always would.
"I am going to donate all my prize money this week to breast cancer research, which is the charity they have nominated instead of flowers and things like that. So, hopefully, I'll do some good by being here, whereas being there, I probably wouldn't be able to do much - it's one of those situations."
McGinley, whose wife Ali was Heather's best friend, immediately withdrew from the event to attend the funeral, which is due to be held in Portrush later this week.