Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington retains every belief that he can add to that tally and become the first Irishman to don the famous Green Jacket in the Butler Cabin on Masters Sunday.
The Dubliner qualified for his first trip to Augusta since 2015 courtesy of his tied-fourth result at last year’s U.S. PGA Championship but far from jetting to Georgia at 50-years young for a hit and giggle amongst the azaleas, Harrington has his sights set on capturing the most famous jacket in golf.
“It’s nice to be back but I’m not going to make up the numbers, I wouldn’t be bothered with that,” Harrington says.
“I want to be competitive. Yes, coming back after six years there will be excitement.
“With my head, I’m going there to play my best golf and compete and try and win, to get my head in the right place.
“My goal is to get settled in as quickly as I can. I know from experience that the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday is not that relevant to Thursday. The course can change significantly and you have to accept that.
“Augusta has the control and ability to decide whether or not we’re going to shoot 75 or 65. It’s very much in their hands.”
Harrington has enjoyed his fair share of success through the years at Augusta with four top-10 finishes on his Masters CV, including a tie for 8th a decade ago. Far from going into the event under a burden of expectation this time around, Harrington accepts the spotlight falls a long way from his door, but that’s not to say the former Ryder Cup Captain doesn’t believe he can win.
“Yes, I believe. It doesn’t make any difference what the reality is. I have to create my own reality and I believe it,” Harrington says.
“In my head, I’m visualising winning. I’m going there practicing, getting ready to win. There’s no reason for me not to think like that.
“Physically I don’t give up much to these players. A little bit mentally, so I’ve got to work on my mental game and if I do a good preparation, mentally I can get my game to where it needs to be.
“I’m going there with nothing to lose.”
Harrington’s Masters record:
- 2015 T73 +5 72 77 $10,000
- 2013 T81 +9 78 75 $10,000
- 2012 T8 -4 71 73 68 72 $232,000
- 2011 T75 +5 77 72 $10,000
- 2010 T54 +5 74 75 $10,000
- 2009 T35 E 69 73 73 73 $38,625
- 2008 T5 -2 74 71 69 72 $273,750
- 2007 T7 +5 77 68 75 73 $233,812
- 2006 T27 +4 73 70 75 74 $49,700
- 2005 T51 +5 72 77 $5,000
- 2004 T13 E 74 74 68 72 $125,667
- 2003 T50 +6 77 73 $5,000
- 2002 T5 -6 69 70 72 71 $212,800
- 2001 T27 -1 75 69 72 71 $40,600
- 2000 T19 +3 76 69 75 71 $53,820
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