Harrington: I'm no leader - yet

Even as the only European in the current top 10 of the world rankings, Padraig Harrington is not placing any special importance on the role he has to play at next week’s Ryder Cup.

“Will I be there to inspire others? Unlikely at this stage – I am too young for that,” said the Dubliner, whose main focus today was on trying to build on the one-stroke lead he gave himself with an opening 66 at the Linde German Masters in Cologne.

“It is an interesting question. Yes, I am the highest-ranked player, but I don’t see myself as being experienced.

“As regards what I give back, maybe I am in the middle between a rookie and one of the experienced players. I think we need a Monty in the team for that end of things.

“I don’t feel like I will be leading the troops out. I feel like I will be playing my golf and doing my thing.”

Yet Monty – Colin Montgomerie, of course – believes the time has come for 33-year-old Harrington to take on more responsibility.

“There are certain people we have to rely on and he is one of them,” said the Scot, in the side as a wild card this time.

“He has a very important part to play. I think he is one of those who has to perform.”

The two were partners in the second day fourballs at The Belfry two years ago and the fact that they beat the previously unbeaten Phil Mickelson and David Toms could prompt captain Bernhard Langer to give them another go together at Oakland Hills.

“He was very, very good and we had a good win,” added Montgomerie. “Padraig was possibly a junior partner then, but not any more.”

Harrington made his cup debut in the “bear-pit” of Boston five years ago, having had only one European tour win by then and grabbing a place in the side by finishing second in the last two counting events.

He did not play the fourballs and in the foursomes – with Miguel Angel Jimenez - he got only one half-point from two games, but then he beat Mark O’Meara in the singles.

At The Belfry he lost twice on the opening day, first with Niclas Fasth and then with Paul McGinley, was left out of the second day foursomes, but then followed up his victory with Montgomerie by thrashing Mark Calcavecchia five and four.

Eight of next week’s side are playing this week and they met over dinner with Langer and his backroom team of Anders Forsbrand, Joakim Haeggman and Thomas Bjorn last night.

Harrington was delighted to be there with what appears to have been a return to form under his belt, although he knows this weekend will determine that rather than the initial 18 holes.

Amazingly, he had laser surgery on his left eye last Saturday after being told his vision could be improved – both eyes were first done four years ago – and late on Wednesday night he spent two hours on the phone with American sports psychologist Bob Rotella talking over the problem he was having with the mental side of the game.

“There have been a few inquests and a lot of gnashing of teeth at home trying to figure out what was wrong and Bob told me not to be so hard on myself.

“I brought his book ‘Golf is not a game of perfect’ with me this week, but it was easier and more assured when it came from Bob himself.

“I came here as a warm-up for next week, but now next week is going to have to wait. I am focused on these three rounds to come.”

Langer described himself as “thrilled” by Harrington’s start, coming as it does after two weeks when Jimenez and Luke Donald have won and most of the side have looked in good form.