Triple Major winning Padraig Harrington confessed he’s not looking forward to watching next month’s Masters from the couch of his Dublin living room.
Harrington will end an unbroken 14-year Augusta appearance unless he can capture one of the three events he’s contesting ahead of the April 10th starting Masters.
And not having won a main tour event since capturing the 2008 PGA Championship, as well dropping to 152nd on the World Rankings, means Harrington’s now used up all his exemptions to qualify for the year’s first Major.
Padraig HARRINGTON watches a putt just slip by the hole on day two of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.(Picture: Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie)
“You know what I would be saying today normally because normally I would be saying I am building up lovely for the Masters but I’m not in the Masters,” he said smiling.
“It’s also starting to weigh heavier (laughing) but then I won’t be happy sitting at home watching it on TV given I have been at every Masters since 2000.
“Most years I would go to Augusta with three or four entry qualifications (laughing).”
Harrington first stepped out onto Augusta National in 2000 and secured his best finish of fifth both in 2002 and 2009.
And since his Masters debut the now 42-year old has missed just one Major Championship and that was the 2005 Open at St. Andrews after his father has passed away.
“I don’t particularly care for streaks or anything like that but I just care for the fact that I may not qualify for the Masters deservedly on merit given I am not top-50 in the world or whatever,” he said.
“I just know that if I am sitting at home I am going to feel a bit of anxiety knowing that I’m not going to be there with a chance, and if you’re not into the Masters you can’t win.”
Unless he captures this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational or one of the following two events in Texas, then Harrington will be at home during Masters Week.
“I’ve got two more weeks after this week and I know that but it’s tough to win out here let alone produce a win on cue, and that’s not easy,” he said.
“I would not normally play this many events ahead of the Masters but I am trying to give myself every chance.”
And when quizzed, after posting a second straight 70 on day two of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, would his pride would be hurt should he not tee-up at Augusta, Harrington responded: “There’s not a bit of lost pride should I not qualify for Augusta and it’s just that I will be missing out on another Masters.
“There’s no room out here for pride and there is no place in golf for that. These guys are good and I can tell you if you are not on top form it’s going slightly the opposite way as there is not a huge difference for me when it’s going well and it’s not going well.
“The standard out here is just so good.”
“But if I don’t qualify I will watch every shot as I do love watching the Masters. Though I would rather be playing in it.”
