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Harrington eager to be in the thick of it

As the most successful golfer in the world over the last year, Padraig Harrington is certainly a different prospect for his Ryder…

Thu Sept 18 2008 - 01:00

As the most successful golfer in the world over the last year, Padraig Harrington is certainly a different prospect for his Ryder Cup opponents than he has been in the past, but the three-time major winner sees not reason to change his usual approach at Valhalla this weekend.

He is relishing taking on the Americans in their backyard and is actually looking forward to feeling the pressure after admitting Europe's easy victory at the K Club contributed to his own poor form.

"I think there will be lots of pressure, lots of nerves and lots of adrenaline come Friday morning, and that can only help me," said the 37-year-old, behind only Lee Westwood in terms of cup experience with Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke absent.

Embracing that pressure will extend to assuming Colin Montgomerie's role of first man out in Sunday's singles if necessary, but ideally the Dubliner is targeting the tail end of the draw where the tension is likely to be highest.

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"I've thought about the Monty role on Sunday. I won't play any different golf if I'm playing at number one or number 12," added Harrington, expected to partner Graeme McDowell in tomorrow's fourballs and either Paul Casey or Henrik Stenson in the opening foursomes.

"I'll go out and approach it the same way and do the same thing.

"Monty, he played vastly different and improved so much by playing him number one compared to playing him number two.

"You know, there's no point in wasting that spot on me. Maybe I will go out number one, but it's unlikely. If there's another person there who can relish it, let's say, give it to them.

"I'd pride myself on treating every situation the same and just being able to play the 72nd hole of a major like I'm playing the 18th hole of a friendly game of golf.

"I'm a good player at being able to do my own thing. I've always tried to play at the tail in the Ryder Cup in order to get the sort of pressure situation. I don't know if it's going to be different this time, but certainly I'm the leading player on the team to be out there and do those things."