Harrington braced for Woods backlash

Padraig Harrington reckons Tiger Woods could be tougher to beat than ever next year after his US PGA reverse.

Three of the majors will be played on Tiger’s favourite courses with the Masters at Augusta followed by the US Open at Pebble Beach and the Open at St Andrews.

And with the ban on square grooves set to give top ball spinner Woods and even bigger edge in 2010, Harrington is bracing himself for a Tiger backlash.

Asked if Woods was damaged by his Yang prang, Harrington said: “No. He’ll be more inspired.

“I don't think this is bothering him at all. If it has an effect on him, it will only inspire him.”

It was Woods first majorless season since 2005 and the first time in 15 starts he has lost a major when leading going into the final round.

But Harrington believes that Woods will not be too bothered by those statistics and he’s tipping the world No 1 to become even better next term.

He said: “His record was always going to go. It has to go. Records are there to be beaten.

“Sure, he will be disappointed but there must be half a dozen of us walking away from this year not having won a major. There are a few people disappointed with this year alright.

“Maybe other people will gain confidence from Tiger losing. He motivates us all to improve our games and who knows, there could be many players pushing him next year.

“But Tiger might be pushed along now as well and maybe he will take his own game on to a new level.

“He will be tough to beat at St Andrews and Pebble Beach, yes. But the groove change next year will be to his advantage as well.

“The overnight rain yesterday didn’t help him at all. He spins the ball more than anybody else. If he was playing on yesterday's greens when they were firm, he would have found it easier to get the ball close than playing on softer greens.”