Harrington remains odds-on favourite to be handed the captaincy role in December and this despite suggestions there is one and possibly two other names being mooted to challenge him for the Whistling Straits position.

Harrington’s remarks, after muscling his way to a share of second behind fellow Irishman Paul Dunne on the opening day of the Turkish Airlines Open, is just further proof, if needed, he will become the third Irishman in four Ryder Cups to captain Europe.

“It does look like I’ll have a tight schedule in the States next year,” said Harrington.

“I’ll probably play the tournaments I’ve always played in the States, but I’ll be playing probably just the 15 events and that will be it.”

“I know the courses suit me better in Europe in terms of just that fraction slower greens. And when you’re just slightly off pace in the States, it does feel so much like a sprint.”