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Padraig Harrington Wins U.S. Senior Open, Ties Three-Time Record

7/6/2026

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Summary

Harrington Wins Senior Open

Padraig Harrington won the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, with a 12-under 268.
He finished four strokes ahead of Stewart Cink, who posted 8-under 272.
Harrington’s final-round 66 matched his third-round 66, tying Miller Barber as a three-time champion and joining Gary Player and Allen Doyle as back-to-back winners.
Ian Poulter was fourth at 5-under 275 and George McNeill third at 6-under 274.

Summary

Cink Attacks

Saturday tee times moved earlier as a thunderstorm brought rain that softened fairways at Scioto Country Club.
Stewart Cink said the softer conditions let him attack more and improve ball control.
George McNeill entered the final round one shot behind the leader, seeking to become the 13th debut winner.
Miguel Ángel Jiménez was three shots back at 6-under as Darren Clarke and Paul Stankowski tied for fifth at 3-under.

History

Historical Context

In 1980 the USGA launched the inaugural U.S. Senior Open, the first senior major, offering a $100,000 purse—the largest senior prize at the time. Billy Casper won with a 14-under 274, three strokes ahead of Don January. The tournament’s debut coincided with the creation of the Senior PGA Tour, turning senior golf into a commercial circuit.

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Harrington Wins Senior Open

Padraig Harrington won the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, with a 12-under 268.
He finished four strokes ahead of Stewart Cink, who posted 8-under 272.
Harrington’s final-round 66 matched his third-round 66, tying Miller Barber as a three-time champion and joining Gary Player and Allen Doyle as back-to-back winners.
Ian Poulter was fourth at 5-under 275 and George McNeill third at 6-under 274.

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