Posted July 29, 2025 in "Watts" In The Bag by Tom Brassell
Padraig Harrington etched his name into golfing history by winning the ISPS Handa Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England. This triumph marked his second senior major title of the year, following his U.S. Senior Open victory, and made him only the fifth player to win both The Open Championship (2007, 2008) and the Senior Open, joining legends like Gary Player and Tom Watson. Harrington’s commanding performance, finishing at 16-under-par with a final-round 67, showcased his skill, strategy, and a carefully curated equipment setup that powered him to a three-shot victory over Thomas Bjørn and Justin Leonard. Let’s dive into his historic win and the gear that helped him dominate the Old Course at Sunningdale.
Harrington entered the final round with a two-shot lead, and he wasted no time asserting his dominance. An eagle on the par-5 first hole set the tone, extending his lead to three. Despite challenges from Bjørn, who carded four birdies in six holes, and Leonard, his playing partner, Harrington’s precision off the tee and stellar iron play kept the chasing pack at bay. His bogey-free second round of 65 and a strategic final round, where he avoided looking at leaderboards to stay focused, underscored his mental toughness. By the 18th hole, Harrington’s monster 308-yard drive and precise approach sealed a victory that was as much about composure as it was about skill. His win earned him $447,800 from the $2.85 million purse and a place among golf’s elite.
Harrington, a long-time Wilson Staff ambassador, relied on a meticulously crafted equipment lineup to navigate Sunningdale’s demanding layout. Here’s a breakdown of the key clubs in his bag, as reported by sources covering his 2025 U.S. Senior Open performance, which likely carried over to the Senior Open Championship:
This win at Sunningdale, following a near-miss in 2023 and a playoff loss in 2024, cements Harrington’s status as a senior golf titan. His ability to compete at 53, hitting drives over 300 yards and outpacing younger rivals, speaks to both his physical prowess and equipment choices. As he celebrated on the 18th green, Harrington thanked the fans and his team, embodying the class and gratitude that have defined his career.
Padraig Harrington’s 2025 Senior Open Championship victory is a testament to his enduring skill and equipment mastery. From the Titleist TSR3 driver powering his prodigious drives to the Wilson Staff wedges carving out precise shots, his gear played a crucial role in navigating Sunningdale’s challenges. As one of only five players to win both The Open and Senior Open, Harrington continues to inspire, proving that with the right tools and mindset, age is just a number.
Sources: Information on Harrington’s equipment is based on reports from his 2025 U.S. Senior Open performance (EssentiallySports, Today’s Golfer) and may reflect his setup at the Senior Open.