SOUTHPORT, England — Defending British Open champion Padraig Harrington has an ailing right wrist.

The injury has forced him to cut back on a practice round and raised questions about whether he'll be able to tee it up.

Harrington intends to play "as long as I don't re-injure it," he said today outside the clubhouse at Royal Birkdale.

The Irishman sustained the injury Saturday while hitting into an "impact bag." After skipping a few days of practice, he decided to test out his wrist.

Harrington made it through the first nine holes, but said the wrist felt "tingly." On the back nine, he just chipped and putted after getting checked out by a doctor.

Harrington won his first major championship a year ago, beating Sergio Garcia in a playoff at Carnoustie.