BERKSHIRE, England — Padraig Harrington captured his second senior major of the year at the ISPS Handa Senior Open, closing with a 3-under 67 at Sunningdale’s Old Course. The Irishman was so locked into his game that he didn’t even notice Rory McIlroy walking the course as a spectator.
Harrington wasted no time asserting his dominance. Starting with a two-shot advantage, he eagled the opening hole and maintained at least a two-shot cushion throughout the final round. He finished three shots clear of Thomas Bjorn (67) and Justin Leonard (68).
“I’m thrilled to have won but very satisfied that I’ve won a Senior Open with my two Opens,” Harrington said. “The fact that only five people have ever done it is quite special. I’m quite proud that I’ve managed to survive this long in the game.”
With this victory, Harrington joins an elite group of players who’ve won both The Open Championship and the Senior Open. Only Darren Clarke, Tom Watson, Gary Player and Bob Charles have accomplished this feat before him.
Harrington’s focus was so intense that he remained oblivious to the leaderboard for virtually the entire round. “The only time I saw a leaderboard was on 18,” he admitted, noting that he only asked his caddie for an update on the 17th hole. “Was fully focused on what I was doing.”
Bjorn made a late charge to get within striking distance, but his hopes faded with a bogey on the 16th hole.
When told that McIlroy, who’s building a home in London, had been watching the final round, Harrington seemed genuinely surprised. “I didn’t see him out there. Was he out there?” he said. “I had the head down all day. I never saw anybody. I had no idea.”
This victory adds to Harrington’s impressive senior career. He’s now collected 11 titles on the PGA Tour Champions, with multiple wins in each of the last four seasons. Just last month, he claimed the U.S. Senior Open at The Broadmoor. He nearly added the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional to his trophy case as well, but a late two-shot swing gave Angel Cabrera the title instead.
