Hat-trick man Harrington to battle jinx

Pádraig Harrington became the first player to win a hat-trick of par three titles at The Masters — but just like his first victory in 2003 he had to share the honour.

The competition could not be completed because of a thunderstorm, leaving Harrington as joint winner with American Jonathan Byrd after both returned five-under-par scores of 22.

Nine years ago the 40-year-old Dubliner tied with David Toms, but bad weather prevented a play-off then as well. Twelve months later he beat Argentina’s Eduardo Romero in sudden death.

What it means again though, is that Harrington will have to beat a jinx to become Masters champion on Sunday.

Since the par three event started in 1960, nobody has lifted that crown and then won the event proper as well four days later.

Lee Westwood and Thomas Bjorn had television presenters Ant and Dec carrying their bags, with Bjorn finishing with an ace.

Harrington went round with his sons Patrick (eight) and Ciaran (four).

“This is my 13th time playing it and the least amount of wind, so the scoring was on,” he said. “The whole thing is memorable.”