He may have won back-to-back Open titles, but Padraig Harrington remains well aware of the test the world''s best golfers face at Akron''s Firestone Country Club this week.
The Wilson player is in Ohio for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, where he will aim to continue in the rich vein of form which saw him capture his second Claret Jug earlier this month.
However, Harrington knows he has his work cut out this week, having only finished in the top 15 twice during nine appearances at Firestone.
Commenting on the course, the 36-year-old Irishman said: "It''s quite long and it is one of the narrowest courses we play of the year. You''ve got to really be a straight hitter to do well.
"It''s a real tough, fair challenge."
Also in the field for this week''s event, which could prove to be an interesting indicator of form ahead of next week''s PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, are Callaway golfers Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, Nike player Anthony Kim and Taylormade''s Sergio Garcia.
31/07/2008