LUKE DONALD believes Pádraig Harrington has been unfairly criticised for changing his swing and crashing from third to 36th in the world since his last major triumph.

The 33-year-old Englishman rose six places to world number three thanks to his 3 and 2 win over new world number one Martin Kaymer in the WGC-Accenture Matchplay Championship.

Donald believes Harrington’s three majors in two years has given Europeans the belief to go on to dominate the rankings. And he’s convinced the Dubliner’s swing changes will pay off.

“I am surprised he is so far down the rankings but you are always looking to improve and you can’t really bash him for doing that.

“Even after winning three majors he wants to change things because he feels he will become a better player through changing. So hats off to him.”

Donald believes Harrington deserves credit for Europe’s dominance. “Pádraig winning those three majors in two years was definitely a factor and he deserves every credit for that.”