Harrington to face a 'big tough golf course'

US TOUR:PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON admits any player with aspirations of winning the Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will have to conquer a "big tough golf course".

The first round gets under way on the Champion Course today as Harrington bids to repeat his Honda success from 2005 at Mirasol. The 38-year-old three-time major winner saw off the challenge of Vijay Singh and Joe Ogilvie in a play-off five years ago, but finished tied for 13th the last time he played at PGA National in 2007.

“I’m looking forward to playing the course again,” Harrington said. “Obviously the Honda Classic has been a good tournament for me. This is a very difficult golf course, the PGA National, you really want to be on top of your game.

“There’s a lot of seriously tough holes out there. It’s definitely one of the toughest regular courses of the year. This golf course is just a big tough golf course.

“But if you don’t like this golf course your game isn’t good enough and that’s it.”

Harrington is expected to face tough competition from Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey and Lee Westwood.

Casey finished runner-up to Ian Poulter at the Accenture Matchplay Championship last month, while Westwood has posted 13 top-10 finishes in 16 strokeplay events, including two wins, since July.

And Westwood, who has never played at PGA National, feels he is in the best form of his career.

“I’ve heard a lot about this golf course and some people thought it would suit me, so it’s nice to come and test it out this week,” he said. “I’ve still got a fair bit of golf in front of me I think at the age of 36. I’m definitely playing the best golf of my career and I think if you look at the results it’s the most consistent I’ve ever played.

“I may not be winning as much as I did back in 98, 99, 2000, but I’m certainly giving myself a lot of opportunities to do so.”

Graeme McDowell completes the Irish trio in the field.

Also among the favourites is Australia’s Robert Allenby, who has claimed three top-five finishes since the tournament switched to PGA National. Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Camilo Villegas and Anthony Kim are also playing.

Honda classic

Course: PGA National, Champion Course, Florida.

Length: 7,241 yards. Par: 70.

Field: 156.

Prize money: €4 million (€786,954 for winner).

Last year: Yong-Eun Yang won by one shot from John Rollins.

On TV: Sky Sports, 8pm.

Weather forecast: 190C.