Harrington: Fear of failure drives me on

THERE is not another European in the British Open next week who can match Pádraig Harrington’s three major titles. But the Irishman has made a frank admission — it was the fear of failure that turned him into one of the hardest workers in golf, and overdoing things cost him tournaments.

“I was so afraid of not playing well and not making the cut, I over-practised,” he said. “I was flogged by Sunday — I played better golf, but scored worse because I was making bad decisions.

“There was a time I’d keep things to myself, but I’m getting to an age now where I’m not so worried about telling people. I still believe I’m guilty of overdoing my golf. I think there’s a balance to everything and if all you’re doing is working on your fitness and your game you won’t last more than a couple of years before you go off the rails. You would burn out very quickly if that’s all there is. I’m sure he does not mind me quoting him, but you would end up like David Duval, winning the Open Championship and going ‘Is that it?’ There has to be more to your life.”

Harrington added: “Look at all my second places (29 now, by his own reckoning alongside 20 Tour wins). Most of those were because I over-practised.

“Sunday takes twice the mental effort. Monty won so many tournaments (38) because he was fresh. I lost more because I was just worn out by that stage.”