6/01/2011

Harrington No World Ranking Concerns


Padraig Harrington insists he is feeling positive about his game despite being poised to drop outside the world's top-50 for the first time in over a decade.

Since winning his third and final major crown to date at the USPGA Championship in 2008, the Dubliner has struggled to hit similar heights again.

"I'm not panicking about dropping out of the top 50 and it's not in itself a big issue - there's a big summer ahead and I'm very happy with my game, what I'm doing and where I'm at. " 

Although he emerged triumphant at the Irish PGA Championship in 2009 and the Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia last year, further big titles have eluded the 39-year-old with his ranking now reflecting that drought.

Harrington is currently on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury, but is scheduled to return to action at the St Jude Classic in Memphis next week just ahead of the US Open.

He is far from despondent about his fall in the rankings and believes his game is actually in good shape with the busiest part on the season now on the horizon.

"It's not through lack of trying and I feel my game's in great shape," he stated. "I think I'm in a position to go forward.

"I'm not panicking about dropping out of the top 50 and it's not in itself a big issue - there's a big summer ahead and I'm very happy with my game, what I'm doing and where I'm at.

"I'm doing the right things that will lead to results."
Patience

With his two Open wins and USPGA victory ensuring he does not have to worry about his place at the majors, Harrington is confident he can soon be challenging for the games biggest prizes again.

Indeed, a recent conversation with rugby union star and compatriot Brian O'Driscoll has convinced him that patience is the key to further success.

"Three years ago they were writing that he (O'Driscoll) would have to leave Ireland because he'd won no trophies and it was time for a change," Harrington added.

"Now he's falling over himself for trophies. Professional golf is the same - you go through periods where no matter how hard you try to win you just don't.

"And you go through periods where you can't do anything wrong. It's a tough game and you just have to be patient."


No comments:

Post a Comment