Padraig Harrington won the US Senior Open at the Saucon Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania on Sunday.
Harrington, who took a five-shot lead into the final round, won by one from American Steve Stricker. For Harrington, it was a measure of revenge over the man who captained America to victory in last year's Ryder Cup against the Irishman's European team. The win also earned Harrington the $720,000 first prize.
"It would have to be Steve Stricker chasing me down," said Harrington.
"Steve, give me a break, please. Yeah, Steve's a tough competitor. Certainly he seems to have one on me over the years. So it's nice to get one back on him this time."
As Harrington shot one-over for the final round, Stricker carded a six-under 65 to ensure a tight finish. Key to Harrington's win was a birdie putt on the 15th which stretched his lead to two.
Harrington: 'I'm out here because I want to win'
PADDY HUGE
Clutch 🐦 for @padraig_h on 15 to push his lead back to 2. #USSeniorOpen pic.twitter.com/c73dzn598s— USGA (@USGA) June 26, 2022
Stricker birdied the 18th, the lead to one and setting up a nervy finish for Harrington, but he managed to par the final three holes.
"The reason I'm on the Champions Tour, and I'm out here, is because I want to win," said the 50-year-old Harrington.
"I want to win big events, and I want to win the majors on the Champions Tour.
"You go out on the regular tour, and if you're not winning the tournament, and might be finishing 30th or 40th, it's a struggle. You come here, and you've got the crowds cheering you on, rooting for you, rooting against you in places.
"It's why we do it. And my caddie kept reminding me of that as were going along - 'Would you want to be anywhere else?' As tough as it is coming down the stretch with a one-shot lead, he kept reminding me, 'Would you want to be anywhere else? You would have taken this at the start of the week'.
Time for the 🖊 on the 🏆, and @padraig_h is soaking in every second of it #USSeniorOpen pic.twitter.com/ejwvL9k4Cy
— Julia Pine (@juliapine) June 27, 2022
"It is very hard with a five-shot lead. You're definitely very defensive. The last couple of holes, I suppose when I got back to a one-shot lead, I was still somewhat defensive, but it's a position you want to be in.
"I didn't enjoy hitting that putt on the last from three feet, but you just have to accept it. If you want to win tournaments, you've got to put yourself out there. It could have been bad, but I got the glory instead."
The winning moment 🇮🇪 @padraig_h | #USSeniorOpen pic.twitter.com/GWQ55wH2eg
— USGA (@USGA) June 26, 2022
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