THREE DAYS TO BRITISH OPEN

PADRAIG HARRINGTON won’t let sentiment get in the way on his return to Birkdale this week. The Dubliner’s emotions will be kept in check as he arrives at the Liverpool course, scene of the last of his three Major triumphs in a sensational 12 month period in 2007 and 2008. Having made his Major breakthrough at Carnoustie and added a quick-fire PGA championship, he blazed his way to a second Open title in a row, burning off 53-year-old Greg Norman (inset) in the process. Harrington himself is now 45, so the fact Norman was well in the mix that magic Sunday – and that a 59-year-old Tom Watson almost claimed the Claret Jug in Turnberry the following year – is on his mind. “Of all the Major tournaments, the Open would be least where age is a barrier,” he said. “Over the last 10 years we have seen more big hitters doing well but still, in terms of plotting your way around a golf course, experience can be very important at the Open.” Harrington showed he still has the touch on links courses by finishing tied fourth in the Scottish Open yesterday. The Stackstown man will be determined to build on that form this week, despite the distractions that will come his way. “There are two sides of that. You do want to have all the good memories and to be able to reminisce – after all, I won the Open there,” he said. “The last Major I won was at Birkdale so that’s very important and you do want to smell the roses a bit. “But on the other hand I want to win this Open and so I have to avoid any distractions that are going to be there during the week, any extra detail that keeps you away from the norm. “The best way to do that is to make sure you have your preparation done. I was there a month or two ago, I’ve seen it and taken it in. “I’m going to be presented with honorary membership of Birkdale one of the nights this week, I’ll be at the press dinner another night. “I’m a different player than I was 10 years ago, there’s less stress on me and I like talking! “There are things you have to do but the key is to be ready with your preparation, not get yourself burned out by what you do on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. “Even if it’s not true, I believe I’m the best player to manage my way around a links golf course at the moment.” The magnificent five wood Harrington hit into 17 to sink Ian Poulter’s challenge nine years ago is regarded as one of golf ’s great shots. The man himself said: “It shows you what confidence does for you, and where my confidence was that day. “It looked a much smaller target when I went back there recently.”