Harrington no to Oakmont

Padraig Harrington has decided not to follow in Tiger Woods' footsteps by making a pre-US Open trip to Oakmont.

While Woods played the Pittsburgh monster twice this week, the Dubliner will wait until June 11 to see the course for the first time.

Harrington said: "I've never played it and I'm not going there early. But I've got to say that I've played my best golf when I have played any of these old traditional golf courses in the States, so that is a good sign."

Woods reckons that 7,230 yard Oakmont - which features a 288-yard par three - is going to be even tougher than Augusta.

Woods said: "Overall, I'd say it's a lot harder than Augusta National. It's an old-style course and I kept trying to figure out where the USGA was going to put the pin placements for the U.S. Open in June. I'm still not sure."

Harrington has had nearly three weeks off and will resume his season alongside Woods at the Wachovia Championship in North Carolina next week, followed by the Players Championship at Sawgrass.

The Dubliner will then head to Adare Manor for the new look Irish Open before moving across the Irish Sea to Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship.

The Irish Open is a top priority for Harrington, who finish tied for second in the event in 2001 and 2004.

And he signalled his intent to go one better this year when he played a practice round at the stunning Limerick track on Thursday.

Harrington said: "There isn't a weak hole on the course and the rough its up. It's going to be a great test.

"The Irish Open is definitely something I want on my CV. It is a big title and definitely something you want to win. No question."

John O'Leary was the last Irishman to win the title - 25 years ago.