Harrington hails Adare Manor triumph
by Mark May, 15 May 2008
Padraig Harrington has hailed the impact last year’s Irish Open victory played on his subsequent triumph at the Open Championship in Carnoustie two months later.
The Dubliner defends his crown at Adar Manor this year after becoming the first Irishman in 25 years to claim the Irish event.
And the 36-year-old revealed that he used the victory at the county Limerick resort as a catalyst to his Open success.
“You couldn’t underestimate how important it was in terms of going on to win at Carnoustie,” Harrington told reporters on Wednesday.
“It told me I could go on and win a tournament under a lot of pressure and that gives you a lot of confidence. It was definitely a big confidence booster.
“There’s no question I am a better player. Every element of my game is better. I’m still improving but I understand my own game.
“There are little things that are up and down but over all I have a much better understanding of where I’m going with my swing and where I’m am going.”
Harrington’s thought will soon turn to Ryder Cup qualification and, although the Irishman is as good as an automatic choice, his compatriots, particularly those who have won on the Tour recently, are not.
“What’s interesting is the Irish guys have come into form and some of the more experienced guys have come back into form,” added Harrington.
“There’s room for a number of Irish guys, but not for everyone. Everybody has to play their way into the team. If we got three into it again, that would be spectacular.
“But we’re going to have to really have to fight it out between ourselves.”