Ireland’s Padraig Harrington claimed the US Senior Open after holding off a final-round charge from Steve Stricker.
Harrington had a six-shot lead heading into the back nine at Saucon Valley but American Stricker made him work hard for the win when he shot a closing 65.
However the 50-year-old held his nerve to claim victory by one stroke on his debut in the championship.
Harrington’s closing one-over 72 gave him a 10-under total as he claimed his maiden senior major title.
Former champion Stricker started the day eight shots behind the Dubliner but birdied the final two holes to complete a terrific final round.
Harrington dropped shots on the 10th and 11th so Stricker – whose US side thrashed the Irishman’s European team in last year’s Ryder Cup – was in contention for another US Senior Open.
However the three-time major winner made an incredible 30-foot birdie putt on the 15th and an important par save at 17 that all but secured the victory.
“It’s tough to lead from the front. It’s even tougher when it’s Steve Stricker behind you. He tends to have one on me. I’m happy enough to get it done in the end,” said Harrington.
Harrington claimed The Open in 2007 then retained it the following year while also winning the 2008 US PGA Championship.
