Triple Major winning Padraig Harrington is on track to repeat what he achieved 13 years ago and that is to win the week before the Masters.

Harrington grabbed the clubhouse lead with a four under par 68 before being joined by American Billy Horschel in cold and later brighter conditions on the Greg Norman designed TPC San Antonio course.

In 2000, Harrington made his maiden Masters appearance having won the week before in capturing the second of two European Tour event staged that year in Brazil.

And while Harrington also looks to end a five-year PGA Tour winless drought his short-game around San Antonio was right on song for next week’s first Major fo 2013, and this despite a three-putt for the only bogey of his round at the last hole.

“My short game and putting was really strong and I am happy about that,” he said.

“But the putt on 18 was a stinker of a putt.

“That was a pity as it takes the shine off the day. It wasn’t a difficult putt. As I got over it I stood off it once because the wind was gusting from my left, which it shouldn’t have been.”

The wind, which blowing at 20 mph at some points, played so much havoc with full shots but had its biggest effect on Harrington on his final putts of the day. Everything else he handled.

“Most of the time you’re hitting knock-down shots and three-quarter swings,” Harrington said.

Harrington’s round is among his best this season and four shots shy of a best in 2013 of a 64 on day one Waste Management Phoenix Open.

And after admitting to have been practicing in a t-shirt last week in snowbound Dublin, Harrington really felt the chill this morning.

“I’m not under pressure to go out there and shoot 8 under,” he said.

“This morning, early on, it was a battle of survival. Last week back in Ireland it was snowing and I didn’t feel this cold.

“There was a feeling of ‘Let’s just hang in there and stay in the tournament.’ Sometimes that lets you play a little bit more within yourself.”