Padraig Harrington has pledged his support to the European Tour even though he is desperate to reduce his playing schedule.

A shortage of star names at the French Open last week has been followed by the appearance of just four of last year's Ryder Cup side in the Smurfit Kappa European Open back at the K Club in Co. Kildare.

Harrington, joined only by Paul McGinley, David Howell and Colin Montgomerie, said: "I've just come to the conclusion that I have to play less - but I've no intention of reducing my European Tour schedule.

"I'm playing 30 this year and it may creep up to 32. It's too many. The best player in the world (Tiger Woods) plays 20-22 and that answers a huge amount.

"We are trying to beat the best and you have to look at what they are doing.  I have to find a way to play less. I sat down with my trainer last night and discussed the problem, but at the moment I don't know what to do.

"To give quality time to my training I need to play less, but there are a lot of good events out there and we are really caught trying to fit everything in.  There are so many choices. Players are trying to peak for the majors and it's a difficult situation.

"I have sympathy for the sponsors without a doubt. Everything should be about giving back to them - they are the most important thing to the tour and you want to make sure they get 100 per cent value.

"I can see why they aren't happy about it and it needs to be sorted out - but I don't have the answers."

One solution, of course, would be cut down on his appearances in America, but he has ruled that out because he currently plays only the minimum 15 required for US Tour membership.

"I wouldn't give up my PGA Tour card because I took it and it would be rude," added the Dubliner.

That leaves the post-season events. At the end of last year Harrington played in China, Japan, South Africa and at Tiger Woods's event in California - as well as representing Ireland in the World Cup in Barbados.

Harrington, whose wife Caroline is expecting another child in early December, knows he has some tough decisions to make, but the focus at the moment is trying to play as well as he can through to the Open at Carnoustie in two weeks.