COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Padraig Harrington had a remarkable finish on Saturday at the U.S. Senior Open, chipping in from 20 yards off the green on the 18th hole. This stunning shot salvaged what had been a challenging round for Harrington, pulling him back into a tie for the lead with Stewart Cink and Mark Hensby.
Harrington’s chip-in capped a solid round of 2-under 68, putting him back in the same position he started — tied with his fellow competitors amidst a day that brought wind, rain, and even a brief delay due to lightning at the Broadmoor.
“We could’ve taken the day off,” Harrington commented, reflecting on the challenges faced during the round.
Hensby also played well, shooting a 68 with a total of four birdies and an eagle throughout the tournament, bringing his count to 19 birdies overall. However, he missed a crucial 6-foot chance for birdie on No. 18, settling for par amid Harrington’s thrilling finish.
Cink’s round was marred by a bogey on the par-3 16th after misjudging a putt; however, he recovered to finish with pars. All three leaders now sit at 8-under 202. Just one shot behind is Thomas Bjorn, who matched the best round of the day with a 66, setting up a competitive four-man title bout.
Steve Flesch (67) is positioned at 4-under, closely followed by Steven Alker and Miguel Angel Jimenez, both at 3-under, and Paul Stankowski also at 3-under. Billy Andrade, who struggled through the round, finished with a 70 but managed to salvage par on No. 17 despite an unfortunate approach shot.
Despite facing adversity with a double bogey on No. 12 and another on 15, Harrington’s resilience shone through on the 18th. His ability to turn a potential bogey into a birdie ensured his place in the final group on Sunday, where he aims to defend his U.S. Senior Open title.
Harrington’s performance showcased the unpredictable nature of golf, where a single brilliant moment can redefine a round, showing that perseverance can lead to triumph even amidst difficulties. As the tournament heads into its final day, golf fans can look forward to an exciting finish among the top contenders.