Harrington not blinded by eye of the Tiger

It should come as no surprise if Padraig Harrington plays in the opening round of the US Masters wearing blinkers. Because the Open champion today revealed his game plan is to avoid staring into the eyes of the Tiger.

The declaration by Tiger Woods that he is playing well enough to achieve a Grand Slam of all four majors in 2008 has fooled many of his rivals into thinking they are already playing for second place when the first of those elite tournaments gets underway at Augusta National tomorrow.

But Harrington, playing in the group just ahead of Woods in the opening two rounds, insists he will not be intimidated by the looming presence of the world No1.

The 36-year-old Irishman said: "Tiger's a great player at the top of his game, but there's no point worrying about him. You've just got to do your own thing. It doesn't matter if Tiger is odds-on to win the next 12 events, I'm still going to play my best every time.

"If Tiger wins those next 12, then fair play to him. I'll shake his hand and say, 'Well done,' but my goal is not to worry about it.

"Tiger may be the best there's been, and in the best form of his life, but there are enough quality players to stand up to him."

Harrington has made a habit of thriving in the face of adversity, never more so than at Carnoustie last summer when he beat Sergio Garcia in a dramatic play-off to claim his first major title.

And he believes his proven expertise on a flat Scottish seaside links has prepared him for what lies ahead over Augusta's rolling tree-lined inland course.

Harrington said: "There is an element at both courses where you've got to be patient. There's a lot of mental resolve out here. You've got to be very strong, which is a bit like playing on a links.

"You've got to be very good with your head."