The three-time major winner sits just three shots off the pace at the Abu Dhabi Championship after working with Aldred for the first time.

“He’s a busy man, I spoke to him last year and the first time I could get an appointment with him was this week,” the Irishman told Sky Sports after a round of 69.

“It’s been worth the wait. It’s been really interesting, he was exceptionally generous and worked with a few people in my team and I’ve really found it very useful.”

Aldred was the inspiration behind Jonny Wilkinson’s goal-kicking prowess but nobody is able to pin down exactly what he is.

Diligent

“Everyone’s trying to figure out what he does,” admitted Harrington. “He’s a practice coach for me. He’s making me more diligent in my practice. As I said last year I felt I played well all through practice and just never took it to the golf course. And he’s all about taking practice to the course.

“It’s about putting a lot more precision into the practice.”

Harrington was pleased with his second round in Abu Dhabi, particularly the way he putted.

“(I) Showed a lot of good signs today, nearly every putt I took I gave the hole a run and certainly scared it a few times,” he added.

“I’ve been telling you it’s coming for a good while so I’m always optimistic and seeing some great signs there.

“I just have to get used to it now”.