Injury scare for Padraig Harrington

Padraig Harrington is hopeful that his recurring neck problems are not going to ruin his bid for a maiden major title at Royal Troon this week.

The Irishman admitted on Tuesday that his intense practice regime, which can see him spend four hours a time on the range, is responsible for the neck pain that has plagued him for more than two years.

Last week the injury returned with a vengeance after over-practising the week before in Ireland during the European Open.

"The problem is a slight bulge in the neck which causes stress on the left hand side of the neck," explained Harrington, ranked number eight in the world. "I aggravated it again by hitting too many balls in the wind and cold in Ireland.

"I normally hit 100 balls an hour but I probably did double that. I had my coach with me and when you are working so well, you just want to keep on going."

Harrington's injury has taken a turn for the better this week providing the Irishman with cause for optimism ahead of the Open.

"It's started to improve this week and today I woke up the best it's been for over a week, so I'm hopeful by Thursday I'm going to be absolutely 100 percent," said Harrington.

To try to offset his problem, Harrington works on his neck muscles in the gym and has a fitness coach travelling with him.

"It comes back three or four times a year and the physiotherapists all say reduce your practice," said Harrington. "I can either do that or continue with full-time practice and have my physiotherapist accompanying me.

"I've decided to have my physio with me."

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