Harrington seeks dream double

Padraig Harrington can think of no better way to go into next week’s Ryder Cup than a million-dollar win on home soil and beating Tiger Woods in the process.

Harrington is still recovering from the ankle and neck injuries that have been troubling him since July, but after being paired with the world number one in Thursday’s first round of the American Express Championship at Mount Juliet, the Dubliner is thinking of two triumphs rather than two problems.

Asked to choose between victory on Sunday and being part of a winning European team at The Belfry, the Dubliner said: “Let’s be greedy. I want to have my cake and eat it.

“At this very moment I want to win this. Next week I want to win the Ryder Cup.

“When you turn up at any tournament you want to win it and I’ll only start thinking about the Ryder Cup when I think I’m out of touch here.”

Back-to-back wins are rare in golf and one of the reasons for that is the draining effect of being in the hunt for a title.

But Harrington does not see it as an insurmountable problem this particular fortnight.

“The Ryder Cup has enough adrenalin,” he said. “You have six days of golf (three practice, three competition) that are like leading a tournament.

“Being in contention does drain you, but you also get confidence from it and you hope it balances out. I think anybody who plays well here is probably going to be a better player next week because of it.”

Seven of Europe’s side and 10 of America’s are in the 65-strong field at Mount Juliet, the Jack Nicklaus-designed course Harrington represents.

It comes as no surprise to see Harrington taking on Woods head-to-head and Darren Clarke, the other Irishman taking part, facing world number two Phil Mickelson on the opening day.

“Amazing how these come out of the hat,” joked Harrington and, referring to Woods he added: “He got the big draw!

“It’s good for me, to be honest. Because of the event and the venue the adrenalin would be there even if I wasn’t playing with Tiger. There’s always a little extra pressure playing at home, but I should be able to handle that by now.

“I’d still be nervous on the first tee because we’re in Ireland, but it might mean an extra challenge on the day.”

He does not, however, see it as a chance to score a psychological point or two with next week in mind.

“It makes no difference to the Ryder Cup if I shoot a better score or not. It only makes a difference to the tournament.

“If Tiger shoots 75 and I shoot 74 I would not be happy. But if he shot 65 and I shot 66 I would be.”

Of the world’s top 50 only Japan’s Toshi Izawa is absent and Harrington commented: “For the pure golf enthusiast you are not going to see anything bigger than this.

“Tiger has never played here competitively and as well as 49 of the top 50 there are others who aspire to that.

“Because of where we are I find myself wishing everybody well and I’m interested if they are enjoying themselves. I want the event to come out a winner – it’s strange, but that’s the way it is.

“It’s a no-lose situation. Either you play well or you start thinking about the Ryder Cup. Whatever happens you have a certain focus.

“Next week is the week I’ve been building up to and because of the injuries I’m not where I want to be. But no golfer ever is and hopefully come next week I am not looking to do a huge amount of practice.”