"I've matured," said Garcia. "I've got to know myself better as a golfer, as a person, and I can control myself better.
"Winning the Players' Championship was huge. Any time you win a big event like that it gives you extra confidence. I now know that coming down the stretch I've done it in a big event against a tough field on a difficult course."
They won't come more difficult than the spectacular coast-hugging South course at Torrey Pines which, at 7,643 yards, is the longest in major championship history.
According to Harrington, that does not mean it plays into the hands of the big hitters. "Length won't be as big an issue as it could be," said the 36-year-old Dubliner. "The shorter, straighter hitters are going to hit more fairways."
Never mind winning, Gary Wolstenholme's target is simply to make the weekend. The twice British Amateur champion, first reserve for a tee-off time, learned only yesterday he was in the field after American Sean O'Hair withdrew with a pulled chest muscle.
The 47-year-old from Surrey managed to scramble in one practice round, although he set out so late that a volunteer had to ferry him in a cart for the last few holes, which he played in near darkness.
Wolstenholme said: "Reserves aren't allowed practice rounds so it was critical to see what clubs to hit and what different shots you have to make. If I make the cut it would be one of the great achievements of my career." Live on Sky Sports 1, 6pm
