The three-time major champion is in contention at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open as he aims to defend his title on the PGA Tour Champions. His impressive round of six-under 66 has positioned him in tied fifth place.

He is just three shots behind the leaders after Saturday’s third round.

Yes, it’s Padraig Harrington!

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Improved performance and mental focus

Harrington admits to making better decisions on the golf course compared to the previous day.

Harrington, who birdied all four-and-par fives, said: “I struck the ball well yesterday, but I really made some bad decisions on the golf course… I was better that way today, scored quite well. Had five nice eagle — four nice eagle chances I think during the round. So there was obviously going to be a decent score going off the back of that.”

He acknowledges feeling mentally tired from the prior week, which affected his play. However, he managed to score well in the third round, capitalizing on multiple eagle opportunities.

Harrington birdied the par fives and added further gains on the ninth, sixteenth, and eighteenth holes. He concluded his round with a 20-foot birdie putt.

“It was nice to hole a 20-footer on the last… if I didn’t make those two birdies coming home, I definitely would have been too far back tomorrow.”

Chasing the leaders and assessing the advantage

Harrington embraces the role of the chaser. “It’s always, it’s a lot less stress being the chaser…”

He recognises that it carries less pressure than being in the lead. He highlights the benefits of making a charge from behind without as much scrutiny.

While acknowledging the significance of holding the lead, Harrington also acknowledges the discomfort that comes with leading a tournament.

“So yeah, you want to be in the lead because it gives you the options to win, but it’s obviously a little bit — it’s always uncomfortable when you’re out in front.”

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No one will doubt that Harrington is in a reasonable position to mount a challenge for the title in the final round at the En-Joie Golf Club in New York on Sunday.

Do you think Harrington can go all the way on Sunday to win the tournament? Drop your comments below.

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