Padraig Harrington secured a significant win by capturing the ISPS Handa Senior Open at the Sunningdale Old Course in the United Kingdom, adding another landmark victory to his career. This triumph marks a historic achievement as Harrington joins a select group of golfers who have won both The Open Championship and the Senior Open Championship, a feat famously attained by Gary Player.
The tournament, with a prize purse totaling $2,850,000, saw Harrington compete just weeks after his victory at the US Senior Open held at The Broadmoor Golf Club. After four rounds, Harrington finished with a 16-under-par total of 264, securing the title.
Historic Company: Joining the Elite Legends of Golf
With his victory today, Padraig Harrington became the fifth golfer in history to have won both The Open Championship and the Senior Open Championship. The exclusive club includes revered names such as Gary Player, Darren Clarke, Tom Watson, and Bob Charles. Gary Player himself captured the Senior Open in 1997 after winning a playoff against John Bland, earning his ninth senior Major title.
The Champions Tour recognized Harrington’s milestone with a congratulatory message on X, highlighting his impressive accomplishment in the sport’s history.
Performance Highlights from Harrington’s Final Round
Harrington started the final round strongly, immediately making an eagle on the par 5 first hole. Maintaining composure, he followed with pars over the next four holes on the front nine and then added a birdie on the par 4 sixth hole.
His momentum wavered slightly with a bogey on the par 3 eighth hole but was quickly countered by a birdie on the ninth. On the back nine, Harrington recorded pars on the first four holes before making a birdie on the par 5 fourteenth. Another bogey occurred on the par 4 seventeenth hole, but he closed the round with a 3-under-par 67 overall, securing a three-stroke victory over Thomas Bjorn and Justin Leonard.
Harrington Reflects on His Career-Defining Achievement
Following his win, Harrington expressed his deep satisfaction at adding the Senior Open title to his career accomplishments. Speaking at the post-tournament media conference, he highlighted the importance of legacy as a motivator for his continued success.
“As you get older, you realise a lot of things is legacy and what you’ve done. You want to do things that stand out, and having won a real Open, coming out, winning the Senior Open, it adds a validation. It’s certainly satisfying to do it, to extend your career that way.”
—Padraig Harrington, Golfer
He also revealed the personal significance of accomplishing this rare double victory.
“I’m kind of on a high of winning, but then there will be that deep sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve done both.”
—Padraig Harrington, Golfer
What Lies Ahead for Harrington After Back-to-Back Major Senior Wins
Harrington’s record at the 2025 ISPS Handa Senior Open, coupled with his earlier success at this year’s US Senior Open Championship in Colorado Springs, establishes him as a dominant force on the senior circuit. His recent form suggests a promising continuation of his career as one of the top senior golfers, inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Padraig Harrington married?
A. Personal Life: Harrington met his wife, Caroline, when they were young. They got married in 1997 and have two sons. Patrick, their first son, was born in 2003, and Ciarán, their second son, arrived in November 2007. Tadhg, Harrington’s oldest brother, is a professional golf coach who runs the Harrington Golf Academy in Dublin, Ireland.
Q. Is Padraig Harrington still married?
A. **Personal Life:** Harrington has known Caroline, his wife, since they were kids. They got married in 1997 and have two sons. Patrick was born in 2003, and Ciarán was born in November 2007.