• European Tour

Harrington backs McIlroy's controversial break

ESPN staff
July 9, 2011
Padraig Harrington has rued his inability to claim more tournament wins © Getty Images
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Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has admitted his tendency to over-practice caused him to suffer when it came to the sharp end of tournaments.

The Irishman claims that he has had 29 second-place finishes, and that his failure to convert those into wins was down to fatigue.

Harrington's revelation comes as a boost to Rory McIlroy, who has been criticised for taking three weeks off after winning the US Open title last month.

"I was so afraid of not playing well and not making the cut I over-practised,'' Harrington said. "I was flogged by Sunday - I played better golf, but scored worse because I was making bad decisions.

"There was a time I'd keep things to myself, but I'm getting to an age now where I'm not so worried about telling people.

"I still believe I'm guilty of overdoing my golf. I think there's a balance to everything and if all you're doing is working on your fitness and your game you won't last more than a couple of years before you go off the rails.

"You would burn out very quickly if that's all there is. I'm sure he does not mind me quoting him, but you would end up like David Duval, winning the Open Championship and going 'Is that it?'

"There has to be more to your life.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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