Full Breakdown
Padraig Harrington Defends U.S. Senior Open
7/8/2026, 1:19:06 PM
Harrington Defends Title at Scioto Country Club
Padraig Harrington, 54, shot a final-round 66 to win the U.S. Senior Open by four strokes at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. He finished 12-under 268, ahead of Stewart Cink, who posted 8-under 272 for a second-place finish.
Senior Tour Background
Harrington, a three-time major champion on the regular tour and a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, has been a competitor on the PGA Tour Champions. He captured his first senior major at the 2022 U.S. Senior Open and added a Senior British Open title last July, bringing his senior-major tally to three before this defense.
Historical Significance
The victory marks Harrington’s third U.S. Senior Open win, joining Miller Barber as the only three-time champions in the tournament’s 46-year history and making him the fourth player ever to defend the title. His back-to-back triumph is the first since Allen Doyle in 2006.
Key Statistics
- Final round 66 (four-under)
- Tournament total 12-under 268, margin
- Only player with sub-70 rounds all four days
- Stewart Cink hit 2 of 7 fairways on the front nine and led after 54 holes
- Ian Poulter fourth at 5-under 275; Retief Goosen, Jamie Donaldson, Paul Stankowski tied at 4-under 276
Official Statements
Wilson Golf’s Global General Manager Bob Thurman praised Harrington as “a truly wonderful ambassador for Wilson” and said his successes “continue to excite and inspire us all.” Tournament officials noted Harrington’s record-tying achievement places him alongside legends such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino.
Criticism & Reflections
Stewart Cink described his round as “difficult,” noting a penalty shot after a mis-hit tee ball “was definitely kind of a crusher,” and said he continued to battle for second place despite the challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I like creating records, and to be part of that is a big deal. It just shows how hard it is,” — Padraig Harrington, Champion
- “I'm seeing guys coming along, and I'm kind of realizing there is only a window to win these tournaments. They have told me and other players that it's kind of up to about 56-57, then it starts going downhill quickly.” — Padraig Harrington
- “It's always fun going down the stretch with a lot on the line. Today, I played poorly enough that there was no championship on the line, but I was still battling hard for second,” — Stewart Cink, Runner-up
- “Bob Thurman, Global General Manager, Golf at Wilson, said: “Padraig is a truly wonderful ambassador for Wilson and his history-making successes with our golf equipment continue to excite and inspire us all.” — Bob Thurman, Global General Manager, Wilson Golf
What's Next
Harrington will travel to Royal Birkdale next week to compete in the Open Championship, returning to the course where he won the 2008 Open.
