Harrington still confident of challenging for Open title
Harrington hopes to repeat his sucess at the Open in recent years
Also In The News
|
St Helens suffered a shock 20-10 defeat to Salford at The Willows. |  |
Saturday, 04, Jul 2009 10:37
Padraig Harrington insists he can still retain his Open title at Turnberry in two week's time despite missing his fifth successive cut at the French Open.
Harrington has been struggling for form so far this season having attempted to re-model his swing in an attempt to get even better.
Although the Irishman has won three of the last eight majors, and back-to-back Open titles, Harrington's winning streak looks to be coming to an end.
However, the Dubliner is confident he can overcome his problems with a solid performance at the Irish Open before arriving at Turnberry.
But Harrington admits it would play into his hands if the Open course is difficult as his game would probably not withstand a low-scoring competition.
He said: "It would be hard to see me going out and shooting 20-under-par in great conditions.
"It would be easier to see me shooting four or six under in tough conditions, battling it out. But that could all change next week."
Harrington says he is happy with how he is "physically", in relation to his swing, and feels the obstacle he now has to overcome is mental.
"I'm not too worried about the way they set up Turnberry. I would be more worried about how I am," he added.
"I can manage any challenge as long as I can manage myself."
Harrington said he would focus on his short game until the Open starts after struggling with that aspect of his game in Paris this week.