Lefty's laser helped Harrington shine
by JP Lonergan, 26 July 2008
Padraig Harrington has revealed that Phil Mickelson played a big part in his Open win last weekend, and he plans to thank the America by usurping his rank as number 2 in the world.
The Irishman retained the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale last Sunday, despite going into the tournament with a worrying wrist injury. However, he aided his chances by visiting Mickelson on several occasions for the use of the American’s portable light laser treatment device.
Mickelson has been using the device since suffering his own wrist injury last year and always carries it with him – something that proved hugely beneficial to Harrington, though he is not so thankful that he will not be trying to overtake 'Lefty' in the rankings.
"I got his number and rang him on the Sunday of Loch Lomond," Harrington was quoted as saying by The Irish Independent. "He set it up and told me what I needed to do. I got the treatment in his hotel room suite every second day.
"I said nothing about it during the Open because I didn't want him getting distracted by people asking him about it. But it certainly helped."
The new world number 3 added that he has been planning to climb the rankings, saying: "It did cross my mind what I needed to do to catch world No 2. Certainly to get to world No 1 you have to get to world No 2.
“It's a tough battle to catch Phil there, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind the competition. It will probably push both of us on."
Harrington also revealed that he may bring forward his annual winter break to help his hunt for more majors in 2009, saying: “This year the thinking might be to stop playing in early November and take that break in November and December.
"This year I felt like I could have done with an extra event or two going into the Masters. So an earlier start next year is ideal."
