Harrington ready for Gleneagles test in ISPS HANDA Senior Open defence

Defending champion targets fifth Senior Major title as Europe’s premier over-50s event returns to The King’s Course

Korea - Pádraig Harrington returns to Scotland this week to defend his ISPS HANDA Senior Open title at The King’s Course at Gleneagles. The three-time Major winner—who captured his fourth Senior Major title at the U.S. Senior Open earlier this month—became just the fifth player in golf history to win both The Open Championship and the Senior Open following a three-stroke victory at Sunningdale last year.

“I’m excited, but there is always trepidation and stress when you’re defending,” said the 54-year-old Irishman. “Last year was a big deal for me. Having won The Open, you always want to back it up and win the Senior Open. The course is in great condition, but it’s pretty tight in places. I’d be happy if I finished this week without losing a golf ball—if I can manage that, I’ll probably be pretty competitive.”

Gleneagles last hosted Europe’s only Senior Major in 2022, when Darren Clarke edged out Harrington by a single stroke. Clarke returns to Perthshire this week alongside a stacked 144-player field featuring 15 Major champions, 29 Ryder Cup players, and five former Ryder Cup captains.

The 39th edition of the championship marks the Senior Open debut for Open champions Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, and Henrik Stenson, while 1989 champion Mark Calcavecchia makes his first appearance at the event since 2018.