Harrington out to change script

Padraig Harrington doesn't forget that it happened, he just wants to move on. As the Dubliner returns to the Belfry for this week's International Open - 12 months on from his final-day disqualification when, holding a five-stroke lead, it was discovered that he hadn't signed his first round card - it's somewhat appropriate that he can copper-fasten his Ryder Cup place some four months ahead of schedule at the scene of his most stressful incident as a professional.

Currently second in the European qualifying table, Harrington can break through the one million point mark (estimated to be the sure safe total for qualification) this week. A year ago, following a course record 64 in the third round, which wasn't subsequently allowed to stand, he was on the practice range before the final round when he was informed of his disqualification. "It was bizarre, the whole thing. I suppose if I had been lying 60th in the field nobody would have bothered too much about it. There was nothing I could do. It had happened, and I just had to get on with it. I did say at the time that there was always next week to look forward to but, to be honest, it wasn't as easy as that."

Harrington actually lost over half a stone in weight and could hardly move without somebody wanting to speak to him about the incident. The player expects that the topic will return time and again this week as the tournament returns to the Belfry, but he said: "Here's hoping I can have a good week and that we can start talking about golf. Once I get through this week hopefully all the other stuff can be laid to rest once and for all."

Harrington is one of six Irishmen in the field. World number nine Darren Clarke starts out on a six-week stint that extends to the US Open. Paul McGinley, David Higgins, Eamonn Darcy, playing on a sponsor's invitation, and Paddy Gribben are also competing.

One player seeking to maintain his form and do himself a favour in the Ryder Cup points race this week will be defending champion Jose Maria Olazabal. Although expressing continuing concern about his driving, the Spaniard is confident he will make the Ryder Cup team without captain Sam Torrance needing to include him as one of his wild card picks.

Now up to sixth place in the table after his win in the French Open, Olazabal said: "I was disappointed with what happened at the Spanish Open when I missed the cut. If I want to make the Ryder Cup team, which I do, even though it is not my number one priority, it is very important for me to play well in the tournaments I am going to play in Europe.

"If I keep playing well enough to make the team and some others do the same it will be easier for Sam. I don't think there is any point in me talking to Sam, or Sam talking to me, on any Ryder Cup issues this week. It is very early in the year and there are a lot of tournaments to play." Olazabal, who is among a group of European players who have decided to base themselves mainly on the US Tour this year, intends to play in this week's International Open, next week's TPC of Europe in Germany and the following week's Volvo PGA.