East Lake offers Harrington chance to transform season

Padraig Harrington of Ireland watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the BMW Championship golf tournament at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Illinois September 11, 2009.

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Victory by Padraig Harrington at this week's Tour Championship would transform a season of relative mediocrity into one worth remembering, the Irishman said on Tuesday.

Harrington, a triple major champion, is seeking his first win this year on the PGA or European tours but has produced good form in his last five appearances on the U.S. circuit.

"I'm happy to be here and could turn around a year this week," he told reporters at East Lake Golf Club while preparing for the season's fourth and final FedExCup playoff event.

"The last few weeks have been good. I've been pushing for a win and this would be a big week to get that win. (I would) turn what was less than an average year up until, say, August into a great year."

Victory at East Lake on Sunday would earn Harrington a check for $1.35 million and the chance of a $10 million bonus as the overall FedExCup champion.

Only 30 players are in this week's elite field and the Irishman, sixth in the FedExCup points standings, would also clinch that trophy if top-ranked Tiger Woods finished no higher than third at East Lake.

However Woods and the other top-five players in the points standings -- Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson or Heath Slocum -- all hold their own destiny in their hands this week.

Any of that quintet would automatically land the FedExCup by winning the Tour Championship.

NO REGRETS

"I don't regret being number six because I did what I could," Harrington said. "I don't feel like I left too many shots behind me or anything like that."

The 38-year-old has produced superb form on the PGA Tour since tying for 65th at the British Open in July, finishing no worse than joint 10th in his last five starts including two runner-up spots.

"I'm in as good as position as I can be," said Harrington, who has not won on any of the leading tours since his victory in last year's U.S. PGA Championship at Oakland Hills.

"I have played good golf. It's not totally in my control but six is as good as I could have done. I'll be happy to see if I can get that win this week, see what happens from there."

The Tour Championship starts on Thursday when Harrington has been paired with American Slocum for the opening round.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)