subject: Padraig Harrington Back On Form [print this page] Padraig Harrington had not had the best start to his career. He is in desperate need to get back up to his high standards at the French Open ready for his defence at Turnberry.
Harrington has been on bad form recently as he has missed his last four cuts. He has recently made changes to his swing.
"If I am going to play well in the Open it has got to start now," said Harrington ahead of the tournament in Paris, which starts on Thursday.
"I'm running out of time but I am always optimistic."
Harrington had a disappointing US open as he carded two rounds of 76 and missed the cut. He finished and humiliating joint 137th out of 156.
"I still believe I am going to be ready," added Harrington. "But, then again, I thought I would be ready for the US Open."
The Irishman has not had a top 10 finish since January and has a driving accuracy ranked 195th.
The Irishman has been using different drivers and has spent time with Coach Bob Torrance to try to iron out problems that have undermined his game since he made changes to his swing. Irishman also advice junior's for how they can select correct junior golf equipment
"At the US Open my backswing had totally gone off," said Harrington.
"We were not trying to change that, but I was focusing so much on my downswing.
"Last week we were doing a lot of covering of old stuff, putting things back in position.
"For my preparations to be spot-on I should not be tinkering with my swing. I am well capable of winning when I have not prepared properly, but it reduces the chances."
Harrington will be competing in a strong field that includes Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Soren Hansen in France.
After the tournament, Harrington defends his Irish Open title before heading to Turnberry. At junior stage, Harrington also used quality junior golf clubs that he was liked.
"I do need these two weeks to show myself some form. Having not performed very well I need a certain level of confidence going into the Open and it's important I show signs of having control over the ball," he said.
"I'd like to score well too, but other things can affect that. I don't need the results, but I do need to play well."
