Refreshed Harrington ready to return

Padraig Harrington is hoping a new swing will help him to a much-needed high finish when he makes his debut at the Austrian Golf Open this week.

The Irishman has managed only one top-10 placing this season and is currently languishing down in 87th place in the Race to Dubai, with only the top 60 qualifying for the season-ending Dubai World Championships.

The three-time major winner has been working hard with new coach Pete Cowen and he will unveil a new swing in the opening round at the Diamond Country Club tomorrow.

Harrington told www.europeantour.com: “My game has been up and down all year as everyone knows but I have seen a lot of positives recently.

“I recently changed coach and have been making a few changes to my swing, which people will see this week. The main change that I think people will notice is that the backswing will be wider and shorter.

“It is starting to feel good and I am really looking forward to getting out and competing here this week to gauge where my game is at and how I play in tournament conditions with the changes.

“I tend to overdo things when I practice, so coming out here this week will help me to moderate things and see where I am with the golf swing in tournament play.”