Padraig Harrington continues to impress ahead of his return to the Masters with his lowest round in four years at the Shell Houston Open.

For a second day running Harrington grabbed five birdies in his round of a four under par 68 to be well inside the cut line at five under par on the Golf Club of Houston course.

The triple Major winner ended his round just as former USA President George Bush, and now aged 90, was introduced to Harrington’s fellow Open Champions Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els who were on the first tee.

Harrington’s round is his best since a similar 68 on day one of the 2011 event and also ends a two year run of missing the cut in the $US 6.6m Texas tournament.

Padraig Harrington on route to a round of 68 and his lowest Shell Houston Open round in four years. (Photo – kenneth e. dennis/kendennisphoto.com)

“It was a nice day’s golf and anytime you shoot a 68 you have to be happy enough and it was a day I really didn’t get myself in any trouble as I hit plenty of greens,” he said.

“One thing I wanted to do this week was practice my pace putting for next week and I had a lot of long putts today, so that sort of stuff is good going to Augusta.

“That’s the reason why I have been coming to this event.”

In fact, Harrington is benefiting from having putting guru Paul Harrion with him earlier in the week after needing just 27 putts on day one and 31 in his second round, and only one three-putt in 36 holes.

“I like having Paul around as he always looks at me and gives me the impression that I can do what nobody else can do,” said Harrington smiling.

“So that’s a nice thing when your coach is looking at you with that look ‘Woh!’ you can do that.

“Though Paul will not be at Augusta and insted I will just have Pete (Cowen) present but then there will be no real coaching next week and I will sit down with Bob Rotella.

“So you better you turn up with your game next weeek at Augusta but for the time being I still have two rounds to play here in Houston.

“And if you have a chance of winning here this week you have to focus on trying to win rather than be looking ahead to next week.

“But in saying that my mind did wander at times Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in my preparation for the Masters, and to be honest what I am doing on the golf course here in Houston is all about next week.

“All I am trying to do is get my game ready for next Thursday so that I don’t turn up next week needing my first nine holes of the Masters.

“So the best way for me to do that is competitive golf and I am now getting four rounds here in Houston to do that.”

American and former Houston winner Phil Mickelson added a 67 to his opening 66 to move to a one shot lead at 11-under par.