Harrington gets US exemption for rest of 2003

Padraig Harrington of Ireland joined the PGA Tour as a special temporary member on Thursday, meaning he can take unlimited exemptions as he decides whether to play more in the United States.

Harrington, the highest-ranked European at No. 7, has earned $572,000 in four PGA Tour events this year. Because that's more than the 150th player made last year, he is eligible for temporary membership.

"I really like playing here," Harrington said Thursday evening.

But Harrington said he would only become a full-time member at the end of the season if he plans on playing 18 to 20 PGA Tour events. And he made it clear that the European tour would remain his primary circuit.

"There is no way I would not do Europe," he said. "It's whether I can balance it out and play here, as well."

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