Padraig Harrington close to another Senior Major at the Senior British Open
Irishman Padraig Harrington carded a 65, five-under-par, in the third round of the Senior British Open, securing a two-stroke lead over Justin Leonard heading into the final round. Harrington is seeking his second senior major of the year.
Harrington, who already tasted success at the U.S. Senior Open a month ago in Colorado, demonstrated his consistency at the Old Course at Sunningdale. During the day, he shared the top of the leaderboard with other competitors, but with birdies on holes 13 and 14, and a final birdie, he consolidated his leading position.
With a cumulative score of 13 under par (197 strokes), Harrington has maintained a high level of play in the last three weeks, competing on British soil, including his participation in the Scottish Open.
Justin Leonard, who also achieved a 65, remains close in the leaderboard. Leonard was the only PGA Tour Champions player who made the cut at last week’s British Open at Royal Portrush.
Thomas Bjorn, with a round of 67 strokes, is three strokes behind the leader. Both Harrington and Leonard are former British Open champions, and could become the fifth player to win both the British Open and the Senior British Open, a feat that Darren Clarke last achieved in 2022.
Steven Alker, winner of two Charles Schwab Cups, tried to come back after a start with 73 strokes, achieving a 66 and placing himself five strokes behind the leader. The winner of the tournament will get a place in the 154th British Open next year at Royal Birkdale.
