Padraig: "The rules themselves are simple, it is the interpretation of the rules that has become very long"

Brian Keogh quotes Padraig Harrington at length about players and the Rules of Golf in light of recent run-ins.

As with most things Padraig, it's fascinating, slightly all over the place but definitely worth contemplating as few players are so thoughtful. And in his case, bluntly honest about his R&A affiliation.

"The rules themselves are simple, it is the interpretation of the rules that has become very long," Harrington said.

“Knowing the rules does help you though. Many a time I have lived and died by knowing the rules. They have penalised me because I know them and at other times they have saved me shots.

“The average player playing socially isn’t interested in that side of things. I think the rules are pretty good to be honest. Once you understand them, once you understand how each rule has evolved and why it is there, and the different interpretations of those rules, they are not so complicated - once you delve into them."

Regarding Rory's situation at Abu Dhabi, where Dave Renwick spoke up before McIlroy signed his card...

“Dave Renwick spoke very well afterwards. He is very experienced and he is long enough in the tooth not to be worried about what other people think or say. A younger caddie definitely might have been concerned to enquire more. Once a caddie sees something, he can’t unsee it. He can’t close his eyes. He can't forget it. There was no advantage gained but you have to point it out.”