Harrington opts for surgery to relieve nerve issue
Padraig Harrington has given himself the best chance to be fit for The Open at Royal Birkdale by undergoing surgery to relieve a trapped nerve.
The two-time Open champion has been struggling with the nerve problem in his neck since the end of the 2016 season and had hoped to avoid surgery.
However, after missing out on a Masters place, the Irishman has opted to have the problem corrected to enable him to be ready for the Open in July.
The 45-year-old, who will miss the Arnold Palmer invitational this week, expects to be absent for at least eight weeks as he recovers.
Having surgery on a trapped nerve between C6and C7. Looks like I'll be out for 8 to 10 weeks.Targeting a comeback at the Memorial in May
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) March 14, 2017
"Sorry I'm missing out on honouring Arnold Palmer's legacy," he posted on Twitter.
"But I'm going to have neck surgery on a trapped nerve.
"Having surgery on a trapped nerve between C6 and C7 [vertebrae]. Looks like I'll be out for eight to 10 weeks.
"Targeting a comeback at the Memorial in May."