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Harrington to lighten his load

Padraig Harrington has revealed he is desperate to cut down his playing schedule as part of his plan to "beat the best" in golf.

However, the world number 10 has promised to stay committed to the European Tour.

The 35-year-old is one of only four members of last year's triumphant Ryder Cup team participating at the K Club near Dublin for this week's European Open and has vowed to stay loyal to his home tour.

The 2007 Irish Open champion believes the only way for him to take on the likes of US superstar Tiger Woods and the rest of golf's elite is to trim his workload - but accepts it could prove difficult.

"I've just come to the conclusion that I have to play less - but I've no intention of reducing my European Tour schedule," said Harrington, who is available to back at 14.5 on Betfair in the outright winner's market to win this week's Smurfit European Open.

"I'm playing 30 this year and it may creep up to 32. It's too many. The best player in the world (Tiger Woods) plays 20-22 and that answers a huge amount.
"We are trying to beat the best and you have to look at what they are doing.
"I have to find a way to play less."