BETHLEHEM – That five-shot lead after 54 holes came in handy for Padraig Harrington.
As Steve Stricker continued to reel in Harrington during Sunday’s final round of the 42nd U.S. Senior Open, a two-putt par from 30 feet on the 72nd hole was just enough separation at Saucon Valley Country Club.
In his first U.S. Senior Open, Harrington’s 1-over 72 gave him a one-stroke victory over Stricker.
The latter started the day eight strokes off the pace yet birdied his final two holes to card 6-under 66, easily Sunday’s most successful round.
“It’s tough unbelievable golf, and it’s even tougher when it’s Steve Stricker behind you. I think he’s kind of got one up on me,” Harrington joked. Last year, the U.S. Ryder Cup team, captained by Stricker, slammed Harrington’s European side 19-9.
“Maybe I owed him one here today, but he’s certainly had my number. I’m happy even to get it done and win.”
Harrington, who won $720,000, became the third consecutive champion to win the U.S. Senior Open title in their first chance. He falls into place behind Stricker (2019) and Jim Furyk (2021).
“It’s very special,” Harrington continued.
“The reason I’m on the Champions Tour, the reason I’m out here, is to win big events and I want to win majors. To come here, you’ve got the crowds cheering you on, rooting for you and against you in places. It’s why we do it. My caddy kept reminding me of that as we went along. He kept saying, ‘Would you want to be anywhere else?’”
Stricker nearly holed out at the 144-yard 17th for his sixth birdie of the day.
And, seconds after Harrington birdied the par-4 15th to get back to 10-under for the tournament, Stricker moved to 9-under with his birdie on the last.
“We came in with a goal of shooting 6- or 7-under, my caddy and I, and we ended up shooting 6,” said Stricker, who rebounded from Saturday’s 73.
“Yesterday really hurt; put me behind the eight ball. I know how difficult it is to win a tournament, let alone a U.S. Open.”
A final-round 69 earned Australian Mark Hensby (-4) third place, while Thongchai Jaidee (final round 70), Rob Labritz (74) and Gene Sauers (74) tied for fourth at 3-under (281).
Jerry Kelly (67) and Miquel Angel Jimenez (69) were among four players tied for seventh at -2.
Pa. native Jim Furyk shot a final round 75 (+4) to finish T25.
Follow Eric Epler on Twitter -- @threejacker
Ad Choices