Harrington falls short in hat trick attempt

By Larry Fine

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Padraig Harrington's bid for a hat-trick of major championship wins came unstuck after a closing 73 at the U.S. Masters on Sunday.

"It just wasn't my week," the Irishman told reporters after finishing level-par on 288 in the season's first major.

"I'll be patient and wait for a week that is my week," added the British Open and U.S. PGA Championship winner.

Harrington started well with a three-under 69 before falling away with three successive 73s.

The twice British Open champion was handed a one-shot penalty on Friday when the wind moved his ball on the green after he had addressed it with his putter.

Harrington also took a nine on the par-five second on Saturday and suffered numerous lip-outs.

"I'm tired," he said. "I'll probably be a better golfer because of all of it.

"I'll just move on and get ready for the next one. I certainly need things not to go against me."