Padraig Harrington threw away a four hole lead over Spain's Sergio Garcia to lose 2 and 1 in the World Matchplay championship at Wentworth this afternoon.
Harrington had been hoping to go one better than last year's runner-up spot to Ian Woosnam but after controling the morning session it was the 22-year-old Spaniard who took control of the match.
Garcia, who had trailed by four after 16 holes this morning, went out in five-under 30 in the afternoon to put himself two in front and a struggling Harrington never looked like getting back into the game.
Garcia extended his advantage and the match fat lady was about to sing when the Dubliner, in typical style won the 15th and 16th to trail by one with two to play.
But it was again the treacherous 17th that proved to be Harrington's undoing.
The Ryder Cup star twice went out of bounds on the long 17th in his quarter-final against Garcia - after doing the same in the morning round of his first round match against Mike Weir.
The last hook into the trees cost Harrington the match, Garcia winning two and one.
Afterwards, the 31-year-old refused to dwell on his horror hole.
"I just didn't play well enough," said Harrington, winner of the Dunhill links championship two weeks ago. "I played poorly the last two days. You get weeks like that.
"I tried to play my best, but was always going to hit a few bad shots." Garcia said: "The 17th is not an easy drive and you could see he was a little nervous and uncomfortable on the tee.
"The finish to the morning round was huge. Four down going into the afternoon it was still game on, but to get a couple back gives you a little extra and I then played great.
"I felt comfortable, but all credit to Padraig for making birdies on the 15th and 16th this afternoon. I was able to close it out on the next, though."