Harrington enjoys comfort level at number three

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Padraig Harrington has risen to a career-high third in the world rankings following his British Open success at Royal Birkdale on Sunday -- and this time he is comfortable with the position.

His previous highest ranking of sixth place did not sit easily for the ambitious Irishman but he now plans to maintain a permanent presence in golf's top echelons.

"I got to sixth in the world before and I wasn't comfortable there," Harrington told reporters after winning the British Open for the second year in a row.

"I thought: 'Ooh, I'm sixth in the world and it's not good enough.' Now I'm more comfortable at third than I was at sixth.

"I've improved as a player and I'm continuing to improve as a player, that's the main thing for me.

"My goal is to keep getting myself into contention in majors, keep hanging around. The majors are what it's all about for me.

MAJOR PEAKING

"I set my schedule out this year for the four majors and I was trying to peak for those four weeks," added the 36-year-old Dubliner, who clinched his second grand slam title with a commanding four-shot victory at Birkdale.