Padraig Harrington, aiming for his second senior major of the year, birdied the final hole for another five-under 65 and a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard going into the final round of the Senior British Open.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
See subscription optionsThe Australian challenge, which shaped up promisingly on Friday, remains strong with six representatives in the leading 13, fronted by Greg Chalmers, who shot a 66 to be five shots off the lead.
But the most eye-catching Aussie on Saturday was Scott Hend, who went round in 64 to move to within six shots of the pacesetter.
Harrington was among four players who had at least a share of the lead at some point during the round on the Old Course at Sunningdale. He seized the lead with birdies on the 13th and 14th holes, and a closing birdie added to his slight lead.
Harrington, who was at 13-under 197, has been in the United Kingdom the last three weeks for links golf, starting with the Scottish Open. He won the US Senior Open in Colorado a month ago.
Leonard, the only PGA Tour Champions player to make the cut last week in the British Open at Royal Portrush, also had a second straight 65. Thomas Bjorn had a 67 and was three shots behind.
Harrington and Leonard are past British Open champions - Leonard at Royal Troon in 1997, Harrington winning the first of two claret jugs a decade later at Carnoustie (2007) and Royal Birkdale (2008).
Either one can become the fifth player to win the British Open and Senior British Open, a feat last accomplished by Darren Clarke in 2022.
Steven Alker, New Zealand's two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner who opened with a 73, tried to get back in the game. He shot 66 and was among four players at eight-under 202, five shots behind.
Australia's Cameron Percy shares 10th place, seven shots behind, with compatriots Mark Hensby, Steve Allan and Michael Wright a further shot back. Richard Green is 10 shots adrift.
Australian Associated Press
