Padraig Harrington looks better than his old self; Tiger Woods rolling again before a major

As impressive as Tiger Woods’ 65 was Saturday at the WGC-Bridgestone, Padraig Harrington’s response was equally outstanding.

Woods, for the third consecutive time this year, is in position to win the last tournament he plays in before a major. He birdied four of his last six holes to tie for the lead at 7-under-par at Firestone Country Club’s South Course on Saturday, then Harrington went to work.

After Woods birdied the 18th to tie Harrington at the top of the leaderboard today, Harrington went on a tear. He birdied three of his next four holes ? 12, 13 and 15 – and eventually finished the day at 10-under-par. On Sunday, he’ll be paired with Woods in the final round. It’ll be interesting to see if Harrington, who is putting lights out, can keep it going in a virtual match play with the world’s No. 1.

What’s so impressive about Harrington this week is that he has basically done nothing this year after winning two majors last year. He has said all along that he’s been working on some things and that the work would eventually pay off. That appears to be the case, at least for the first three rounds this week.

It also begs the question that if Woods does win on Sunday and doesn’t win the PGA next week, will his year be a failure by his standards? It would be his fifth PGA Tour victory of the year ? a career by most players’ standards ? but not one step closer to breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors.

Given the fact that most, including Woods, gauge his career by major victories, it would be a disappointment if he went 0-for-4 this year in golf’s most meaningful events.

You almost wonder if he would be better off not winning tomorrow.