Padraig Harrington wary about Tiger Woods in Ryder Cup
Woods and Harrington could both do with improving their Ryder Cup records
Padraig Harrington has warned Europe to beware a motivated Tiger Woods at next month's Ryder Cup against the United States at Celtic Manor.
Although still ranked world number one, Woods has had a poor year following marital problems which led to divorce.
But Harrington said: "He'll be in fighting mood, in a mood to perform. The Ryder Cup could be the pinnacle of his year, like it could be for me."
Both players had to rely on captain's picks to make their respective teams.
Woods has failed to win a tournament in 2010 and Harrington, who has played in the Ryder Cup on five previous occasions, has missed the cut six times this year, with his best performance a second-place finish at the Irish Masters.
But asked whether he felt US captain Corey Pavin had made the right decision in picking Woods, Harrington replied: "Yes, 100%, absolutely - he is the number one golfer in the world and he's been showing good form of late.
"He has a presence and intimidation factor. Matchplay will suit him. I think he's going to be strong enough to stand up on the tee box against anybody.
"Certainly no bookmaker will make him a longshot in his singles match."
Woods has an ordinary Ryder Cup record which Harrington believes may be because of the special circumstances surrounding the biennial match.
"In previous Ryder Cups Tiger has struggled with the structure of the event," said the 39-year-old Dubliner, who won the Open in 2007 and 2008 and the USPGA Championship two years ago.
"Playing a practice round at 11 o'clock, I don't think he's ever done that in his life. Normally he's out at 6 o'clock and by 11 he's out of there and off the golf course.
"There are a lot of things at a Ryder Cup that don't fit into Tiger's normal schedule. But having got a pick this year he might feel a bit like me and turn round and say, 'What do you need me to do?' and be much more focused on the team."
Reflecting on his own situation, Harrington voiced regret over the schedule he chose this season.
"I focused on the world rankings, assuming I was going to have a bumper year. My schedule was poor. If you want to make the team you need to play more," he commented.
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