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"You are unlikely to get' a flukey winner on a course like this," said the Scotsman. "I suspect you will find the current Ryder Cup players coming to the top."

No doubt including Woosnam. Making only his sixth European appearance this year, he is also hovering menacingly after carding a 70 for 142. Winner of the opening two events of the season, he, too, had his own views on the likely destination of the title.

"The most consistent players' will come through this weekend," he predicted. "This challenge demands a variety of shots low, high and straight." For his own part, the Welshman did little wrong while carding three birdies and a lone bogey, at the short 15th where he was hunkered.

By that stage, Harrington had started his journey home. Behind him he had left a lasting impression of grace under pressure, proving that he could be just as sporting a figure in adversity, as he was in triumph last Sunday.