Back-to-back British Open triumphs have eased the pressure on Padraig Harrington who today admitted to being a much more relaxed golfer ahead of the USPGA Championship at Oakland Hills.
"I've changed ... I (used to) put myself under pressure," the 36-year-old told reporters today. "I'm not as stressed. I obviously know I'm good enough to win."
Harrington made a successful defence of his British Open title when he romped to a four-stroke victory at Royal Birkdale last month.
Harrington believes he has a good chance of becoming the fourth player after Walter Hagen (1924), Nick Price (1994) and Tiger Woods (2000, 2006) to win the British Open and USPGA majors back-to-back.
"I think I will be ready," he said. "It is a tough golf course, which suits me.
"I have good memories of the course," added Harrington referring to the four points he gained in Europe's Ryder Cup victory over the US at the same Oakland Hills course in 2004.
Since then the layout, dubbed the 'Monster' by Ben Hogan after his 1951 US Open victory, has been lengthened by more than 300 yards.
"There will be more drivers off the tee," Harrington said of the 7,395-yard, par-70 course. "You've got to hit the driver and you've got to hit it straight, and the greens are incredibly difficult to putt on."
