Harrington rules himself out of contention

Padraig Harrington had his “most enjoyable round of golf this year” – and then ruled himself out of contention for the Claret Jug.

The 31-year-old Dubliner left himself off the pace with a four-over-par 75, but said he was playing “too average” to make an impact on the leaderboard.

“I wasn’t 100% happy with my game coming into the Open – you know when you are not striking the ball well,” said Harrington.

“I have to be patient and ride it out because I am not going to find it on the practice ground in that wind.

“If I was in the form of my life I would think I could come back from here, but I feel I am playing only average and three average days won’t bring me back. Four over with three rounds to play wouldn’t be disastrous if I was playing great, but I am playing only average and need a lot of breaks.

“It is a totally different level when you can demand your game to be there when you need it to be there, and I am not at that level yet, although hopefully I’ll get there. This hasn’t been one of those weeks, but that is the nature of the game.”

Despite his disappointing round, Harrington – who played with Kenny Perry and Ian Appleby – said he felt happier on the course than he had all year.

He added: “I had the most enjoyable round of golf I’ve had all year. I have been quite miserable on the golf course all year but I had good company and we had good fun.

“I have been trying too hard all year but I stuck to my guns and had a good day.”