Ireland’s Padraig Harrington hopes his Open victory will inspire another European win at this week’s USPGA.
Harrington was the first European to win a major since 1999 but expects more at the final major of 2007 in Oklahoma.
“There are lots of good, young European players and seeing me go on, I think that will have added belief,” he said.
“We’re in a better place now than we were going into the Open. If the floodgates open over the next couple of years, I’m going to take the credit.”
The last European player to win the USPGA Championship was Scottish-born Tommy Armour in 1930.
Harrington ended his own wait for a major at Carnoustie just over two weeks ago with a thrilling play-off win over Spain’s Sergio Garcia.
But the world number six insists he is now fully focused on the next challenge ahead in Tulsa.
“I’m out here giving it 100% this week and, if I don’t perform, there will be a bit of disappointment in it,” Harrington said.
“Maybe in two weeks’ time, I’ll be looking back and saying: ‘Well, I won the Open’, but for the next six days it’s all about the USPGA Championship.
“I’m trying to prepare the same way as I prepared at the Open. I’m really looking forward to the event and quite happy with how things are going.”
The European contingent is a man down after two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer pulled out on Tuesday because of illness.
The 49-year-old German has been replaced in the field by American Ted Purdy.
Harrington was the third first-time major winner this year, following Masters champion Zach Johnson and Argentine Angel Cabrera at the US Open.
Johnson believes the high temperatures forecast for the Southern Hills Country Club will play a major role this week.
Organisers have issued an excessive heat warning with temperatures expected to reach up to 38C.
“Dealing with the heat is going to be of the utmost importance,” Johnson said.
“It’s going to be really hot every day, so it’s going to be not only a test of golf but also a physical test and a mental test.”
Source: BBC.com
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