Padraig Harrington holds 2-shot lead at Senior British Open

BERKSHIRE, England — Padraig Harrington birdied the ultimate gap Saturday for one more 5-under 65 for a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard going into the ultimate spherical of the Senior British Open because the Irishman goes for his second senior main of the 12 months.

Harrington was amongst 4 gamers who had not less than a share of the lead sooner or later through the spherical on the Previous Course at Sunningdale. He seized the lead with birdies on the thirteenth and 14th gap, and a closing birdie added to his slight lead.

Harrington was at 13-under 197. He has been in the UK the final three weeks for hyperlinks golf, beginning with the Scottish Open. He gained the U.S. Senior Open in Colorado a month in the past.

Leonard, the one PGA Tour Champions participant to make the lower final week within the British Open at Royal Portrush, additionally had a second straight 65.

Thomas Bjorn had a 67 and was three photographs behind.

Harrington and Leonard are previous British Open champions — Leonard at Royal Troon in 1997, Harrington successful the primary of two claret jugs a decade later at Carnoustie (2007) and Royal Birkdale (2008). Both one can develop into the fifth participant to win the British Open and Senior British Open, a feat final achieved by Darren Clarke in 2022.

Steven Alker, a two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner who opened with a 73, tried to get again within the recreation. He shot 66 and was amongst 4 gamers at 8-under 202, 5 photographs behind.

The winner is exempt for the 154th British Open subsequent 12 months at Royal Birkdale.