Harrington needs dramatic form spark to land hat-trick

By Tony Jimenez

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland (Reuters) - Padraig Harrington must shrug off the worst six-month spell of his career to stand any chance of becoming the first golfer in half a century to win a hat-trick of British Opens.

The triple major champion has missed his last five cuts in regular tour events and will need to shake up his game like never before to emulate Australian Peter Thomson's run of three successive victories from 1954-56.

"The last six months have been the worst in terms of performance I've had since I turned pro," Irishman Harrington told reporters as he prepared for his title defence at the July 16-19 championship at Turnberry, Scotland.

"There's no doubt it could impinge on my performance at Turnberry. My confidence on the golf course, when I'm out there playing, has not been the best, because of my recent results.

"But I'm in good spirits and ensuring I do everything I can to prepare in the best possible way," added the U.S. PGA champion.

While the 37-year-old Harrington would be proud to make it three in a row after his triumphs at Carnoustie in 2007 and Royal Birkdale in 2008, he said it was important to keep his targets in perspective.

"The history of three in a row, I think it would be very special for it to happen, but I am realistic about these things and am looking at it in an overall context," he said.

"I want to compete in many majors going forward ... the idea that it has to be the next one is not how I go about things.