Harrington has never enjoyed the Wentworth course

The Irishman does not want to risk a dip in confidence ahead of the US Open, which begins on 17 June.

"It definitely has had that effect in past years - relative to other tournaments, my performances at Wentworth are disastrous," he said.

"I want to have a lot of confidence in my game going there but the course just doesn't suit me."

However, the 32-year-old is determined to return to the European Tour's flagship event in the future.

"I view it as a real challenge and that's why I intend to go back," he said.

"But I go there every year and beat myself up for four days and it does nothing for my confidence."

The world number eight is currently preparing to defend his title at this week's Tournament Players Championship of Europe in Germany.

He will play the first two rounds with 2001 US Open champion Retief Goosen, the South African with whom he once had a much-publicised spat over slow play.

The third member of the trio is seven-time European number one Colin Montgomerie, who needs to stay in the world's top 50 by the end of next week's PGA Championship if he is to qualify for the US Open.