NEW COACH, NEW SWING FOR PADRAIG HARRINGTON

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE

Padraig Harrington will unveil a new golf swing to the world at this week’s Austrian Golf Open presented by Lyoness.

The Irishman, speaking ahead of a charity Pro-Am event at the Diamond Country Club, revealed that he will be putting the swing changes he has been working on with new coach Pete Cowen into full practice when he tees off on Thursday afternoon.

“My game has been up and down all year as everyone knows but I have seen a lot of positives recently,” said the three-time Major Champion.

“I recently changed coach and have been making a few changes to my swing which people will see this week. The main change that I think people will notice is that the backswing will be wider and shorter.”

Harrington is well known to be a pathological practiser on ranges around the world, and the 39 year old is desperate to take his new swing into the hugely competitive environment that is a European Tour event.

“It is starting to feel good and I am really looking forward to getting out and competing here this week to gauge where my game is at and how I play in tournament conditions with the changes.

“I tend to overdo things when I practice, so coming out here this week will help me to moderate things and see where I am with the golf swing in tournament play.”

While Harrington will be focused on his on-course performance, he is also delighted to be in Austria for the first time in his career.

He said: “I was thinking about that the other day and it is quite strange when you consider that I have probably played in every other European country. I certainly can’t think of another one that I haven’t played in.

“The facilities here are great, the course looks very enjoyable so I am looking forward to competing and hopefully getting in contention this week.”