Harrington in Augusta Thursday
Padraig Harrington admitted he came close to pulling out of The Masters ahead of his disastrous opening round.
The three-time Major winner has been suffering with a neck injury and he was clearly hampered as he struggled at Augusta.
Harrington eventually carded a five-over 77 for his worst-ever round in the opening Major of the season.
And the Irishman said: "It's tough when you can't hit the shots.
"It's very disappointing. I prepared very well, I was in good form, but it was not to be - such is life.
"I nearly pulled out before I started, but I wouldn't - that's just my nature.
"And, knowing me, I would never fail to finish. I take some pride in that."
Harrington claimed the problem flared up as he was preparing to warm-up, meaning his build up largely focused on getting treatment.
"I was swinging the left-handed shot, just warming up and it just kind of clicked," he said. "I'm not able to move to my right.
"It's always going to happen sometimes. I would love to tell you that there's more I could do - aside from cutting my head off!
"I didn't get a warm-up really at all. I spent about two minutes on the putting green because I had to get treatment.
"I didn't take any pain killers. I was hoping it would go away, but it actually got worse on the course - maybe I should have. It didn't cross my mind."
