Irish golfer Padraig Harrington was philosophical about his 2009 season when he spoke to press after coming in a tie for third at Tiger Woods’ Chevron World Challenge tournament on Sunday.

Harrington, who spent six months of the season retooling his swing, found some form in the later part of the year that has given him reason to be optimistic for next season.

“It was a disappointing season in terms of results, but a very positive season in terms of the benefits. So I'm happy, I'm happy going forward. That's it. It's probably a good year to put behind me, too,” said the world number five golfer.

Harrington had a roller-coaster final round at the Sherwood Club in Thousand Oaks California, chipping in on three occasions and finding himself in some tough spots over the final eighteen holes. The Dubliner’s biggest regret for the week was his inconsistency with the putter.

“I misread the greens all week. You know, I had seven three-putts, hit a number of other putts, and not that I hit bad putts. I just kept hitting them -- for some reason I kept hitting my right-to-left putts high, and I was seeing a right-to-left break that wasn't there.

“So obviously I could have done better today. A couple of error in shots, but it just wasn't my week in that sense. I can't give up that many on the greens.”

Harrington will spend a few days working with coach Bob Torrance before heading home to rest, practice and get in shape for next season.

The 38-year-old will be back on the U.S. tour in February in California.