McIlroy to take on Harrington

24 Mar 2009 - 18:12:47

"Padraig is a fantastic player - a real role model for someone like me starting out on my career," said the 19-year-old. "Jim Treacy has been a real support to me and I have watched the development of the Championship course at Lough Erne with great interest." Harrington joined the press conference live by satellite link from Bay Hill, Orlando where he is preparing for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. "I don't know the Enniskillen area at all and have not yet seen the Lough Erne Golf Resort I am assured by those who have that it will be a wonderful addition to Ireland's golfing infrastructure," said Harrington. "It is good to be promoting this part of the island through the establishment of this event and I hope the north's golf fans will come out to see myself and Rory compete on the shores of the Lough." The event will be filmed by European Tour Productions with delayed broadcast commitments already established in at least 13 countries including, Britain, the United States, South Africa and Germany. The players will be playing for a specially commissioned Belleek Trophy. McIlroy heads back to the US on Saturday ahead of his challenge at next month's Masters.