The duo of Open Champions Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke had more in common on the opening day of the Shell Houston Open then they are Irish-born.

Both players got off to bright starts on the Golf Club of Houston course only to let slip their good work in dropping shots near the end of their rounds to end the day tied with rounds of 71.

Harrington  had moved to four under par after a dozen holes but then proceeded to play his remaining six holes in three over par.

At the time in holing a nine-foot birdie at 12 Harrington was heading for his best round since a 68 on the opening day of the 2011 event.

However to Harrington’s credit he had just 27 putts that included five single putts to commence his round and also three single putts from the 10th hole and despite a three-putt at 14, the triple Major winner single putted the last two.

Clarke had moved to three under par after 15 holes but dropped shots at 16 and then three-putted the last.

“I played the first 15 holes superbly but it was just disappointing to bogey two of the last three,” said Clarke.

“But then there was a lot of good golf out there including a lovely 6-iron to eight feet at the second for birdie.”

Darren Clarke and Charl Schwartzel enjoying a friendly chat during the opening round of the Shell Houston Open. (Photo – kenneth e. dennis/kendennisphoto.com)