Harrington under pressure to perform

Padraig Harrington admits he’ll be under pressure to perform when he makes his Wentworth return in this week’s BMW PGA.

The triple major winner has left European Tour officials red-faced for the past two years by refusing to tee it up in the circuit’s flagship event because he hates the greens.

Now has no excuse after all 18 greens were dug up and replaced by modern surfaces in a €7.4m redesign by Ernie Els.

Feeling the heat, Harrington said: “Once I heard that they were going to re-model the greens, I said that when that happens I’ll be one of the first there.

“I’m delighted they have changed and moved forward and I’m sure some people will love it and some people won’t.

“I am hoping I will be one of the guys who loves it. But it’s interesting that I am going there with so many things to prove because they have changed it, partly because of what I have said, which is awkward.”

Harrington reached the final of the end of season Cisco World Match Play at Wentworth in 2001 but lost to Ian Woosnam despite firing a barrage of birdies.

But he has never performed well there in May with a share of sixth place behind David Howell in 2006 his best finish in ten appearances on the West course.

He said: “I am coming in there thinking I am playing great, but I missed the last cut at Sawgrass so I am under a bit more pressure. I am also going to a golf course that I haven’t performed on. 

“There are a lot of issues for me but hopefully I will have a good week because I am thrilled about where my game is.

“The weaker parts of my game I feel have improved immensely over the last number of years. So it is a question of making sure the putting is as good as ever.”

Harrington is joined at Wentworth by Rory McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane, Michael Hoey, David Higgins and Gareth Maybin.