Padraig Harrington continued his hot play by storming into the lead at the Senior British Open on Friday. He capped the second round with a stellar 5-under 65. His magnificent 65 at the Old Course at Sunningdale gave him a one-shot lead. Hiding in the rear-view mirror just two shots back are Ernie Els and Justin Leonard.
The Senior British Open uniquely is the fifth major on the PGA Tour Champions. It showcases much of the best and greatest talent that our senior game. Harrington, a three-time British Open champion, is on a mission. He’ll be looking to become just the fifth player to ever do so, joining the British Open and Senior British Open titles.
Despite his strong finish, Harrington expressed frustration over his opening round, which included three bogeys in the last four holes. He was even willing to concede the fact that he had done well for long stretches, only to fail in key moments.
“Where I should make a score I scored, and then I got in trouble on plenty of other holes,” – Padraig Harrington
Harrington concluded his Friday round in style with an epic birdie on his final hole. This incredible result made for an electric, super competitive weekend to come. His strong showing dwarfs fellow Korean golfer K.J. Choi’s. Choi had a flickering chance, but closed with a 67, taking a negative toll when she lost shots on 16 and 17.
Thomas Bjorn turned heads with a stellar round of 63, channeling his earlier frustrations into four birdies across five holes. Bjorn admitted his self-belief had been up and down during play but discovered a rhythm on the course that finally saw him shoot up the board.
“Just got out here in that mode of I know I played well yesterday and I was hitting the ball well. I knew I was playing well, but I was just angry,” – Thomas Bjorn
With increasingly higher stakes as the tournament continues, players will have their work cut out for them trying to keep up their game. The Senior British Open is 72 holes, not the traditional 54. This new breed of competition incorporates a grueling endurance-filled twist!
Harrington appears to be in the drivers seat, but the weekend should bring some thrilling action on the golf course! His goal, to take his place in history side by side with other legends who have mastered both mediums.
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