Twelve months ago Harrington ended a seven-year PGA Tour victory drought in lifting the crystal trophy also for a second occasion at PGA National in suburban Palm Beach Gardens.

But as the four tournament ‘Florida Swing’ kick starts on Thursday, the golf world is more focussed on the feats of golf’s 20-something stars, who presently hold three of golf’s four Majors and with three, including fellow Irishman Rory McIlroy holding down a top-three World Ranking.

In contrast, just 26 of the more than 200 PGA Tour events fought and won since 2010 have been by golfers, including Harrington and fellow Open Champions Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson, who are aged 40 years or more.

Double Honda Classic winning Padraig Harrington not intimidated by golf’s 20–something band of superstars. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

All three are competing this week in Florida so too will McIlroy, and winner of the 2012 Honda Classic.

But then Harrington was quiet surprised when learning the number of over-40 victory toasts since 2010.

“I’m shocked it’s only 26 wins,” he said.

“But then it depends on the individual as you can starts his pro career at 18 but then be well and truly burnt out by the time he gets to 40. Then, you can have a guy who didn’t make it to the Tour until his 30’s be very competitive by the time he’s 40.”

Twelve months ago Harrington clearly had to draw on all his reserves to deny then 21-year old Daniel Berger coming from five shots adrift of the lead with 11 holes to play in regulation and defeat Berger over two extra holes in a rain-affected event that ended near lunch on Monday to capture a sixth PGA Tour title.

But without a victory since then Harrington says he’s continuing to work hard on his own well-being.

“I work hard in the gym, and hit it as far as I ever hit it,” he said.

“Around the golf course, I still have the same adrenaline; I love playing golf. I don’t go out on Thursday morning with butterflies in my stomach, with nervous energy. (But) I still get the nervous energy coming down the stretch.”

Off the tee the now 44-year old Harrington is averaging 285.9 yards, which ranks 155th on Tour,  but then he’s giving up 20 or more yards off the tee to the likes of Berger, who is 11th at 310.4 but then Harrington’s not concerned.

“I don’t have a problem with that,” he said.

“The game is going to more power hitting, long hitting but on mos golf courses there’s a limit to how far you can hit it where it’s of genuine use.

“You can get into a situation where it’s a genuine advantage, and you can get a little down on yourself. But at the end of the day a good putter is a match for anybody.”

•   Thanks to www.palmbeachnew.com