Padraig Harrington is keen to add the US PGA to his Open success when the event starts at Southern Hills today.

Harrington's victory at Carnoustie last month ended a major drought for European players dating back to Paul Lawrie's win at the same venue in 1999.

No European has won the US PGA Championship since Scotland's Tommy Armour in 1930 - but Harrington insists that run could come to an end as well.

The Irishman said: ''I believe we're in a better place now than we were going into the Open, having a chance to win a major championship.

''I think we have a number of players who have added belief. If the floodgates open in the next couple of years, I'm going to take credit for it!''

Despite Harrington's Open victory, Tiger Woods is favourite to win the event.

Woods is searching for his first major success since he won this event at Medinah last season, with the first three majors of this year going to people without previous major success.

To land number 13, Woods will have to overcome the heat, a deep field and have all facets of his game working - something he has not had in the Masters, US Open or Open.

A tie for second at The Masters was followed by a runner-up finish at the US Open.

Woods grabbed a share of the lead on Sunday at each of the first two majors but was unable to pull away because of inconsistent play, something it appears he has rectified after an eight-shot victory at last week's Bridgestone Invitational.

He explained: ''My game does feel pretty good.

''I made some strides last week and I'm heading in the right direction and really looking forward to this week.''

Woods always looks forward to the majors - it is how he measures his season - and despite four victories in 12 events, he needs to lift the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday to consider the year a success.

He said: ''It's been an interesting year. If I've hit it well, I haven't putted well. If I've hit it poorly, I've made everything.

''I just can't get the two together somehow. It just hasn't materialised consistently enough.''

While Woods has struggled to put it all together in the majors, Zach Johnson, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington have taken advantage to secure their first major titles this season.

If neither Woods, nor any European, manages to beat the heat - temperatures should be hovering around 100 degrees all week - there is a good chance another first-timer will get it right.

A total of 44 players have made the US PGA Championship their first major title.

The list includes Raymond Floyd, Payne Stewart, John Daly, Nick Price, Vijay Singh and Shaun Micheel, who was the last to do it in 2003 at Oak Hill Country Club.

Johnson, whose best PGA finish is 17th in 2005, is not surprised by the recent spate of breakthrough winners.

He said: ''In this game, there is so much parity and talent involved, it's not that surprising.

''When it comes down to it, anybody who has a good week can win - it's just a matter of executing when need be and finishing in the end.''