Harrington has victory scent

THIRTY European Tour members, led by Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, ranked 7th in the world, and Darren Clarke, 14th, tee off at golf’s most glamorous event this afternoon.

That number exceeds by five the previous record of 25 who participated 12 months ago. Vijay Singh actually qualifies even though he rarely competes in Europe and he is one of six former winners in the list, along with Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Jose-Maria Olazabal and Ian Woosnam.

All were part of the glorious spell that began with Seve Ballesteros (who opts out because of back problems) in 1980 while there are also seven debutants savouring the unique Augusta National atmosphere - Paul Casey, Open champion Ben Curtis, Brian Davis, Fredrik Jacobson, Ian Poulter, Philip Price and Lian-Wei Zhang.

Still, Olazabal, champion for the second time in 1999, remains the last European to slip on the coveted green jacket and the bookmakers don't seem to fancy the chances of the five-year gap being bridged on this occasion. They make Tiger Woods favourite at 4/1 followed by Phil Mickelson at 8/ 1, Singh and Ernie Els at 12's and Davis Love III at 16/1.

Then comes Harrington at 20/1 while Clarke is available at 33/1. There will be those who see the two Irishmen as attractive propositions, especially Harrington. "Things are developing along the lines I would like," admits Harrington.

"I have moved up to 7th in the world without winning any of my five tournaments. But there's no rush on winning. I love the course here and I love the tournament. I'm always excited about coming to the Masters. It is a very special event and sometimes it's only later that you realise just how special. There's a lot happening outside of the golf and it's important to hear the birds and smell the roses or should that be azaleas here along the way."

The same attitude certainly applies to Clarke, who has shed an astonishing 38 lbs. of surplus weight. "I don't have a case of beer in front of me any more," he laughs, confident that his new shape will help capitalise on any kind of a good start similar to a magnificent six under par 66 opening round last year.

The fast running nature of the golf course a stark contrast to the rain and mud of the past two tournaments is a source of concern to both Irish men and just about everybody else in the field.

And with the greens firm, dry and possibly faster than they've ever been, patience will be at a premium. It's not a quality too often associated with Clarke in the past. "The ball is now running on the fairways, the course is a lot firmer and so are the greens," he noted. "

There are some places where it's just impossible to get close to the flag. They were always here but there's more of them this year because it's firm and fast.

"I've only played here twice when it was like this. It's more difficult this way and hopefully I'll like it more. The winning score could be around par. Everybody is going to miss it in the wrong places, everybody is going to have a three putt." He agreed that "there will be a lot of grinding this week."

That doesn't much sound like music to Clarke's ears but it's something that won't bother Padraig Harrington, not in the least.

Expect him to be in there fighting for that big breakthrough come the back nine on Sunday afternoon.