This win marks his third title on the PGA Tour Champions circuit this season, propelling him up seven spots to fourth in the playoff standings just ahead of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
Starting Sunday tied for the lead with New Zealand’s Steven Alker, Harrington fired a 5-under 67 to complete the tournament at 17-under 199, finishing two shots ahead of South Korea’s Y.E. Yang, who carded a final-round 65.
It’s heavier than it looks. @SBGolfChamp @ChampionsTour https://t.co/LqKvOMqMqB
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) October 28, 2024
Harrington’s birdies on holes two, four, five, and eight helped him create an early lead while Alker struggled with a 1-over front nine.
After adding another birdie at the par-5 10th and a bogey on the 14th, Harrington reached the 18th green in two, nearly holing an eagle putt before securing his sixth birdie of the round.
Reflecting on his final approach, Harrington said, “The one thing I didn’t want was having a long second shot in here, or even a wedge and having to make par. With a good tee shot, I knew it was my tournament.”
Despite his experience, Harrington admitted to feeling some nerves, especially on the back nine. “I felt I got quick through that middle part of the second nine. It’s probably the first time in my career I had to remind myself to slow my practice swings down.”
Now heading to Phoenix for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, Harrington joins a tight field, with Ernie Els, Alker, and Stephen Ames still holding the top three positions in the standings.
Looking ahead, he noted, “I look forward to Phoenix, but good things have got to happen. To win, it’s not just about liking the course—it’s about playing well and making putts.”
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