Harrington turns to mental coach in quest to climb back up world rankings

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- Tiger Woods’ first tournament appearance in America this year has inevitably dominated the build-up to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am this week. But the importance of Padraig Harrington's first appearance here since last September should not be overlooked.

Ireland's three-time major winner almost certainly has to win on Sunday to book himself a place in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in a few weeks. And failing to do that will be a big blow to his hopes of retaining his Ryder Cup spot later this year.

Harrington has played every Accenture Match Play apart from the inaugural one in 1999, but he now stands 93rd in the world and has to climb back into the top 65 to make the trip to Tucson.

The 40-year-old Dubliner has turned to mental coach Dave Alred -- the man who has linked up with world No. 1 Luke Donald -- to help him.

They worked together for the first time in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago. Harrington came in only 35th, but described the benefits as fantastic.

"Prior to the week I was excited at the prospect of what he would bring to the table, but also a little apprehensive," he admitted. "Now that Week 1 is over, I am very excited about working with him and I can't wait to get to see him again.

"I was asked about what he does. The best way I could explain it was that he doesn't have new answers or questions, he merely asks the same questions but in a different way," he explained. "He observed what I do and then gave his thoughts on how I could do it better.

"He has totally changed the way I will practice by giving it more meaning. The changes will have a huge effect for the rest of the year."