Padraig Harrington believes Tiger Woods will improve as the US Open goes on.
The world's leading golfers head to Pebble Beach this weekend for the latest Major of 2019.
Woods has already won the Masters this year and is back in contention for Major triumphs.
"I know he's third, fourth or fifth rate but I think Tiger gets stronger the longer he stays in this event," said Harrington.
"So I really saw that at the Masters that when he genuinely had a chance at winning, he reverted back to 'I just want to get the job done'. Whereas, sometimes I think Tiger in this era, is concerned about how he's swinging the club and the right shot.
"The longer Tiger stays in the hunt, the more the old Tiger comes out."
Harrington also believes Rory McIlroy and the lead contenders will hope for a "stern" course.
"Rory doesn't want a tricky golf course. He wants a stern test, he wants to take the luck out of it," said Harrington.
"Because Rory knows he's got the ability to beat everybody without thinking he has to get lucky. And the way Brooks [Koepka] is talking, that's exactly what he's saying.
"He can win these things without getting fortunate. That was one of the big changes when I was winning them. I went from a state of mind that I thought if I had a big week and get lucky, hole a few putts, I can win it. I went to a state of mind that actually, 'You know what? If I do my thing and play my game, it's going to be right there at the end of the weekend and the other guys are going to have to beat me.
Stern Finish
"And that's a beautiful state of mind to be in at the Majors, where you don't feel on edge. As I said, Rory definitely was there in 2011. The great quote of Tiger Woods: 'I can win with my B game'. If you think you can win with your B game, your A game nearly always turns up. When you think you need your A game, it doesn't happen. Brooks seems to be in that category. He's not turning up thinking 'I've got to play my best golf', which you would in a regular event. He's actually turning up to the majors thinking, 'You know what? If I play OK here, I'm going to have a chance.'"
Harrington also analysed the Pebble Beach course and highlighted the "stern finish".
"It really is a great championship course," he said.
Harrington also gave an insight into his Ryder Cup captaincy and how it's getting busier in many aspects.
You can watch Harrington's full thoughts on Tiger Woods, Rory and Pebble Beach via our YouTube channel.
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