Padraig Harrington recorded his second straight 5-under 65 on Saturday, taking a two-shot advantage over Justin Leonard heading into the final round of the ISPS Handa Senior Open in Berkshire, England. Harrington stands at 13-under 197 after three rounds at Sunningdale Golf Course, maintaining his position atop the leaderboard.
Leonard matched Harrington’s 65 on Saturday and is positioned in second place, while Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn trails in third at 10-under 200 after shooting a 67 in the third round.
Mixed Feelings Despite Scoring Excellence
Despite his impressive performance, Harrington was reserved about his game following the round. He made six birdies and one bogey but admitted to feeling uncomfortable with his play. Speaking to Sky Sports, Harrington said,
“I still wasn’t comfortable. I don’t think I rode my luck as much today. I certainly didn’t play much better than yesterday. Maybe a bit more cautious today.”
He added,
“I don’t feel very good about how I’m hitting the ball. I’m trying to get away from that and not worry about that because clearly I’m scoring well. Better off shooting 13-under par and not feeling so good about it than thinking you’re swinging it great and being level par.”
—Padraig Harrington, Golfer
The Irish golfer is aiming for his third senior major championship, having previously won the U.S. Senior Open in 2022 and successfully defended the title last month in 2025.
Leonard and Bjorn Remain Contenders
Justin Leonard is pursuing his second win this season after capturing the Chubb Classic in February. On Saturday, Leonard made seven birdies and two bogeys, keeping pressure on Harrington. He reflected on his efforts, saying,
“Guys love to win, as I do, so putting a lot of work in.”
—Justin Leonard, Golfer
Thomas Bjorn’s round included six birdies and three bogeys, solidifying his third-place standing as he aims to stay in contention during the final 18 holes.
Other Notable Moves on the Leaderboard
Clark Dennis surged up the leaderboard with a blazing 64 to jump 21 spots into a tie for fourth at 8-under. Dennis recorded seven birdies and one bogey on Saturday. He shares fourth place with Kevin Sutherland, Australia’s Greg Chalmers, and New Zealand’s Steven Alker, all posting rounds of 66.
South African veteran Ernie Els and Australian Scott Hend are tied for eighth at 5-under 203, with Hend improving his position by 28 spots thanks to his excellent 64.
Final Round Outlook at the ISPS Handa Senior Open
Padraig Harrington’s two-shot lead sets up an intense final round at the ISPS Handa Senior Open, where his experience and recent success in senior majors make him a favorite to seal another victory. However, challengers like Leonard and Bjorn remain close enough to threaten his position, promising a competitive finish at Sunningdale Golf Course.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Padraig Harrington married?
A. Harrington has been familiar with his wife Caroline since they were young. They got married in 1997. The couple has two sons: Patrick, born in 2003, and Ciarán, born in November 2007. Harrington’s oldest brother, Tadhg, is a professional golf coach. He owns and teaches at the Harrington Golf Academy in Dublin, Ireland.
Q. Is Padraig Harrington still married?
A. Personal Life: Harrington has been friends with his wife, Caroline, since they were kids. They got married in 1997. The couple has two sons: Patrick, born in 2003, and Ciarán, who arrived in November 2007.