LONDON (Reuters) – British Open champion Padraig Harrington is taking a short break from golf because of fatigue and will not play in the Seve Trophy, he said yesterday..

"I'm afraid that I have been forced to withdraw from The Seve Trophy because of fatigue and injuries relating to this condition," he said in a statement issued by the European Tour.

"In view of this, I've been advised by my trainer and physio to take a two-week break from tournament golf immediately," added the Irishman, who is due to play in the PGA Grand Slam in Bermuda next month.

The Seve Trophy, a biennial team event between Britain & Ireland and continental Europe, begins on September 27 at the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard, Ireland.

"This is a decision I've not taken lightly, as I don't want to let down the GB and Ireland team and, most importantly, the Irish golf fans. I wish the team the best of luck," he added.

Harrington, who became the first European to win a major for 12 years with his victory at Carnoustie in July, finished 11th in the Tour Championship in Atlanta at the weekend.