Struggling Harrington in upbeat mood as Sandwich looms

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON, who won two of his three majors while Tiger Woods was out injured in 2008, has fallen from third in the world to 57th since then.

But, far from feeling down in the dumps with the British Open only two weeks away and no Woods in the field again, Harrington is excited.

For the first time since 1999, the Dubliner is warming up at the Barclays Scottish Open rather than at home and after his first look at the new Castle Stuart course near Inverness he is already sure he has done the right thing.

“I’m here because it’s on a links course, but who knows until you get out there yourself?” said Harrington yesterday.

“It’s way above expectations and a great set-up for next week.

“I cannot emphasise how different it is hitting an iron shot off the turf on a links course rather than on a standard parkland course. Some go further and some go shorter because of the turf.”

Harrington’s recent form is nothing to write home about, but he added: “I believe I’m getting there — I’m excited about my game. ”I’m looking forward to the challenge this week. It would be nice to have another one of the home nation titles.”