Padraig Harrington has denied deliberately shortening his swing and expects to come back stronger after The Open.
Defending champion denies planning swing changes after failed Open bid
Padraig Harrington has denied deliberately shortening his swing and said that he expects to come back stronger after his failed Open defence.
The Irishman, 37, headed to Turnberry this year in search of a hat-trick after winning the Claret Jug in 2007 and 2008 but, after finishing on 12 over for the tournament on Saturday, his dream was over.
And veteran Tom Watson, who began the final day with a one-shot lead, was among those who felt Harrington had failed to stay in the running due to his decision to make major swing changes over the winter.
Watson said: "I look at Padraig Harrington right now, he shortened his swing and I think he's having troubles because of it.
"I liked the length of the swing last year, and now he's shortened the swing and he's having a hard time with it. You lose your rhythm when you shorten the swing."
Improvement
However, Harrington says his swing has only shortened because he is getting older and believes that he will soon find a natural approach again.
"I've never tried to shorten my golf swing," he said.
"It's amazing that everybody's got that in their head.
"That's something the media have come up with to try and analyse it. It may have shortened, but I've never tried to shorten my golf swing.
"What actually happens is I've actually got a little bit stuck because I was lifting my arms so I couldn't go any further.
"I'm a great believer, as (my coach) Bob Torrance is, that your swing finds its own natural length, as Tom Watson's has. It is very nice that he (Watson) would take time out and give a helping hand but I've never tried to shorten my swing.
"Why would you do that? Over life your swing will get shorter - Mother Nature does that.
"Plenty of people have come up to me and offered advice and it's all taken on board, but I've never tried to shorten my swing."
He added: "I suppose I like all this stuff. I'm intrigued by it all.
"I always want to get better and this is a way of getting better. I will be a better player as a result of this and I will have the last laugh."
Long-term goals
Harrington remains upbeat about both his past successes and the chance for future glory - particularly after seeing what 59-year-old Watson has achieved this year.
"It's come to an end. It's been a good two years being Open champion," he said.
"I look forward to coming back in future years. I think I have another 23 to come back to (past winners are exempt until 60 years old).
"I look forward to it with Tom Watson showing that it's possible I could be competitive for another 23 years. I know I will come back and compete in many more Opens and I will win some more majors.
"There was a lot of good (ball) striking out there this week. This is one of those weeks I will put into the category of 'this wasn't my week'.
"Going forward, I would have no problem playing competitive golf the way I played this week."
