Harrington turns his attention to "Europe"

Padraig Harrington is heading for the Oceânico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura. Picture by Getty ImagesFour years without a European Tour win is a long time and Padraig Harrington will be hoping to have notched one before he gets to the Portugal Masters from October 11-14.

According to the tour, the Dubliner s hoping that Oceânico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura can inspire him to a 15th European Tour title though he is expected to tee it up in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after next week’s Ryder Cup.

Whatever about that detail, the three-time Major winner joins former Open champions Darren Clarke and Paul Lawrie and former US PGA champions Rich Beem, Shaun Micheel and Martin Kaymer in the sixth edition of the €2.25 million tournament.

Harrington will be looking for another strong performance at Oceânico Victoria Golf Club after finishing tied 16th in last year’s event and third behind Lee Westwood in 2009,

After failing to make it to the Dubai World Championship last year, he is currently on course to better than forgettable season at 31st place in The Race to Dubai.

Victory in the Portugal Masters would move him into contention to challenge for a place in the end of season top ten, and a share of the US$3.75million Bonus Pool.

The 41 year old Dubliner has recorded four top ten finishes on The European Tour in 2012, including tied eighth place in the Masters Tournament and a share of fourth position in the US Open Championship.

His best performance on European soil so far this season has been a share of seventh place in front of his home support in the Irish Open, but he is looking to end the season with a first European Tour victory since the 2008 US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club.

After the Portuguese Masters he is expected to play in the BMW Masters in Shanghai.