“This is one of my top three events in Europe now besides the majors,” he said on the eve of the event.

“For me to win in Ireland would be special – I think Darren (Clarke) is the only one to do it in recent times.”

Clarke captured the title two years ago to become the first Irishman to win on home soil since John O’Leary at the 1982 Irish Open.

Harrington holed from 12 feet at both the 11th and 12th, while over on the front nine Swede Karlsson birdied the second, fourth and fifth.

Colin Montgomerie parred the first two, but then matched Harrington’s two at the 173-yard 12th.

Clarke was among the later starters, as was defending champion Michael Campbell, double Order of Merit winner Retief Goosen and Ryder Cup match-winner Paul McGinley – another local man.

Latest leading positions in the first round of the Smurfit European Open at theK Club, County Kildare, Ireland, today:

3 under – Robert Karlsson (Swe) (after 5 holes)

2 under – Fredrik Andersson (Swe) (3)

1 under – Markus Brier (Aut) (1)

Terry Price (Aus) (1)

Shaun Webster (4)

Mark McNulty (Zim) (5)

Paul Lawrie (3)

Padraig Harrington (2)

Angel Cabrera (Arg) (1)