VIRGINIA WATER, England (PA) -- Padraig Harrington has taken his first look at the Ailsa Course at Turnberry, where he will be try to become the first player since Peter Thomson in 1956 to win three successive British Opens.

"It's a super course -- it's lived up to expectations," said the Dubliner. "There are not a huge amount of opportunities out there, but a lot of steady holes with difficult par 3s.

"I have learned what the set-up will be like and what shots need to be practiced and played, although the course will change over the next two months," he added. "From watching it on TV and hearing what other people have had to say, I knew it was a great course and I really like what I see."

Harrington insists he is not feeling any extra pressure as he prepares to launch his hat-trick bid at the Scottish course in July.

"I am well aware that Peter Thomson was the last man to do it, but I feel I'll be in with a great chance because I have control over my own preparation and, if I get that right, then I can be in contention," he said. "I want to win more majors, but I'm not going to put any more pressure on myself to make it three in a row.

"I'm going to take it like any other major," he added. "Winning them individually is big enough, but if they happen to come three years in a row well that's very special."

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