Pádraig Harrington acknowledges that he will have to win at least two more Champions Tour events between now and the end of the season if he is to hunt down Miguel Angel Jimenez and win his maiden Schwab Cup.
Harrington should be coming into form at the right time having won twice in his last three senior starts, considering they were two major victories at the US Senior Open and Senior Open, but he admits he is unsure of where his game is at, but knows he can produce if on song.
“It’s certainly in there,” the three-time major champion said of his game. “I hit the ball well at the US Senior Open. I was not so good hitting it at The Open but was mentally strong at the Senior Open. Soo, a combination of these two was very nice.
“I did struggle here last year. I was tied fourth the year before and struggled badly here last year.
“Not quite sure what to expect really, I didn’t play every well last week either I know it’s in there I hope it turns up this week but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Harrington is fourth in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup money list with five events remaining, starting at the Ally Challenge.
His quest to pip Jimenez to the Schwab Cup isn’t impossible but it is a mountainous one.
With two regular season events and three playoff events to come, the Dubliner admits he may need to play some of his best golf in the playoffs to earn double points if he is to overhaul his former Ryder Cup teammate.
Harrington has won Champions Tour playoff events before but has never won the Schwab Cup – the order of merit.
“Fortunate, looking at my schedule, I’ve got five events left,” said Harrington. “Three of them are the Playoffs so they’re double counting. For me to catch Miguel I’m going to need to win twice and maybe those two tournaments are going to have to be in the Playoffs because they are double counting.
“It’s still better than mathematically possible, it’s still possible but certainly would take some great playing. The fact is Miguel is still going to play very well for the rest of the year so can’t underestimate what he’s going to do either.
“It’s a long shot to catch him but it’s there. Give myself a chance with a couple of wins.”
Leave a comment