Harrington feels heat ahead of Irish Open defence

By Tony Jimenez

LONDON (Reuters) - Home favourite Padraig Harrington said he would feel additional pressure to retain his Irish Open title next month.

"It will be the first time I actually tee it up in Ireland as the British Open champion so it will bring a different sort of pressure," he told the European Tour's official Web site (www.europeantour.com) on Wednesday.

"I think I have to say after last year that I have the wherewithal to handle it. "

Harrington can expect a hero's welcome from the fans at the only tour event in Ireland this year.

The May 15-18 tournament at the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort in County Limerick is held in high regard by the 36-year-old Dubliner.

"The Irish Open victory last year meant more than even I realised at the time," said Harrington. "I had been trying for at least 10 years, with many frustrations.

"I always found it very difficult to handle the pressure, the distractions and the general hype of an Irish Open. Years of that building up, the fact no Irishman had won it in 25 years, the media hype going into the event and then to actually finally win the tournament was ever so big for me.

"The Irish Open is the fifth biggest tournament in the world to me. You have the four majors and then to win an Irish Open is right up there."