Padraig Harrington achieves rare Claret Jug double with Sunningdale success

Padraig Harrington became just the fifth player to win both The Open and the ISPS Handa Open as the Irishman claimed the over-50s’ Claret Jug at Sunningdale.

The Irishman, a two-time Open champion in 2007 and 2008, signed off with a three-under-par 67 at the Berkshire venue to win by three shots as he finished on 16 under.

Harrington, who also won last month’s US Open, joined Bob Charles, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Darren Clarke as the only players to do the double.

Padraig Harrington shows off the trophy after winning the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Sunningdale | Getty Images

“You know, right now I'm just thrilled to have won the tournament and gone out there and played well,” said Harrington. “But there's only five players (to achieve this feat), so you want to be in that category. I'm thrilled, euphoric that I've gotten it done.”

With Rory McIlroy, who recently moved to nearby Wentworth, taking in the last-day action, Harrington got off to the perfect start as he eagled the first. He then added birdies at the sixth, ninth and 14th while his card also included dropped shots at the eighth and 17th.

Gleneag;es Hotel will host 2026 ISPS HANDA Senior Open

Dane Thomas Bjorn (67) and American Justin Leonard (68) finished in tie for second, with Australian Scott Hend a further shot back after a joint-best-of-the-day 65.

Signing off with a bogey-free 67, Stephen Gallacher finished as the top Scot, tying for 12th on seven under, one ahead of Paul Lawrie after he also closed with a three-under effort.

Meanwhile, Gleneagles Hotel will host the 2026 edition - the second time the over-50s’ major will be held at the Perthshire venue.

Clarke triumphed in the event’s first visit to Gleneagles Hotel in 2022, with the 39th edition taking place on the King’s Course 23-26 July - the week after The 154th Open is held at Royal Birkdale.