Padraig Harrington admits he needs a big performance at the Portugal Masters this week with time running out to secure a place in the field for the World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions.
Ireland’s three-time Major winner has slipped to 78th in the Official World Golf Ranking after three years without a European Tour win - and only tournament winners and the top 25 will be exempt for the event in Shanghai next month.
“I think this is the last chance for me,” said Harrington.
“I'm aware of it, it's a good golf course and I like the HSBC event out there - it's an event I look forward to.
“You don't expect not to be in them if you know what I mean. I would be aware of that this week."
Harrington does have previous form at Oceânico Victoria Golf Course on his side - he was third behind Ryder Cup teammates Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari two years ago.
“I had a nice run at it in 2009,” he added. “It was a slight chance. I think it was between Lee Westwood and myself to win there and it was his tournament but I was somewhat in the mix coming down the stretch.
“The best thing about the golf course is you're going to have to shoot 20 under par here which puts you under a little pressure. The greens are soft, the fairways are soft, but there's plenty of water out there and you've got to take your shot on and hit them if you're going to shoot the scores.”
