Padraig Harrington has dismissed claims that the Par 3 Contest at Augusta can distract players from their preparations for the tournament proper.
Tiger Woods no longer takes part in the competition after claiming that it interferes with his routine, but Wilson golfer Harrington said this week that he feels today''s short hole contest can be a useful test-run before the Masters begins tomorrow, BBC Sport reports.
"I''ll be playing and trying to win it … A little nine-hole light-hearted bit of fun, card in your hand, can help you get focused," he explained.
Harrington is aware that no winner of the Par 3 has ever gone on to claim the green jacket at Augusta, although as a two-time champion of the short hole contest he believes that another victory today could bring him luck later in the week.
"I''m hoping that winning it three times might be a charm," the 36-year-old Irishman said.
The Par 3 Contest began in 1960 and the inaugural event was won by Augusta legend Sam Snead. This year it will be broadcast on US television for the first time, with ESPN showing the action.
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