Near Record Comeback

Defending British Open and PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington nearly wrote his name in Masters record book, but it was not an enviable record.

Harrington scored a nine on the second hole, one stroke off the record of 10. He recovered brilliantly with a one-over-par 73, which may have ended his chances for a third consecutive major championship.

On the second hole, he hit his drive near a tree in the pine straw. When he went to hit his second shot, a tree root distracted Harrington and the shot went hit the tree. From there it only got worse as Harrington had to punch out, then a series of chips fell short, and he three-putted for the nine.

“My chances were gone after the second hole and it was relatively easy after that. There was not too much stress after that,” Harrington said. “These things happen in the game and you can’t do much about it.”

Masters Walk

Taking in the sights on a scenic Saturday was two-time Masters Champions Ben Crenshaw, dressed in a sports coat, slacks and green Masters print tie.

Crenshaw will return to Champions Tour next week in Tampa, but took delight in showing three friends the course where he won two Masters Tournaments.

Media visit

Slipping into the media center quietly Saturday morning was 2008 U.S. Amateur runner-up Drew Kittleson.

“I’m pretty tired,” he said after a week of Masters activities, which included a daily diary for masters.com.

He completed some college homework Saturday in his room at the Crow’s Nest, before getting out and decided what to do in the afternoon.

“It would probably be demoralizing to go out there. I may just hang around,” he said of his watching but not playing in the third round.

Kittleson ended up watching four-time Masters Champion Tiger Wood on the practice tee and then followed Woods for his first nine holes.

Saturday stroll

Among the Patrons out for a stroll was Padraig Harrington’s brother Tadhg, who came from Ireland to see if his brother could complete the so-called Paddy Slam of four consecutive majors.

Padraig and Tadhg played dozens of junior tournament in Ireland and at one time Tadhg caddied for Padraig.

Also taking in the Saturday views was 2008 U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, who detoured from the practice range, to show a friend the Augusta National Clubhouse sights. Included in the tour was the line of Patrons in front of the clubhouse taking the traditional photo in front of the club flags.