Harrington makes steady start

Padraig Harrington endured an up-and-down start to his US Masters preparations at the New Orleans Classic this evening.

The Dubliner, at the TPC of Louisiana to fine-tune his game in the build up to Augusta, carded a one-under round of 71to lie four shots behind clubhouse leader Briny Baird.

And while Harrington, who will also play at next week's Houston Open, posted five birdies on his way around, he also blotted his copybook with two bogeys and an ugly double-bogey at the fourth hole.

Peter Lonard and Dean Wilson, both still on the course, are also on five-under with former US PGA Steve Elkington, Vaughn Taylor and Jay Williamson sharing third a shot further back.

US Masters champion Zach Johnson shot a 72 while twice US Open winner Retief Goosen of South Africa carded a 73.