Extra stress at home on the range

Padraig Harrington on tour

I’ve been watching the Irish Open since its great days at Portmarnock to playing in it for the past ten years or so and always get an extra kick out of it. I had my first look at Carton House last week and thought it was an absolute picture, and with a really lovely clubhouse it should make for a very nice tournament. I’m also pleased to see a good field, seven current Ryder Cuppers, and even if it’s a strange time of year for an Irish Open, I think the crowds will turn up and enjoy themselves enormously.

I’m still not in top form but, as always, I will try to perform to my very best. I can make things happen and my aim is to be in the hunt entering the fine nine holes on Sunday and then we’ll see how it unfolds. Although it measures 7,300 yards, I didn’t regard Monty’s course as long.