The three-time Major winner will become the 50th player in Tour history to reach that milestone, more than 30 years after making his debut at the 1995 Smurfit European Open.

Illustrious career

Harrington has won 43 professional titles in his illustrious career – 15 of which have come on the DP World Tour – and he has represented Europe six times in the Ryder Cup.

The Irish golfer has become prolific on the over-50s circuit, winning 11 times on the PGA TOUR Champions, and is the reigning U.S. Senior Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open champion.

Commenting ahead of this week’s tournament, Pádraig Harrington said:

“I’m delighted to be back in Doha for the first time since 2003. It’s nice to come back to a venue you haven’t been for a long time to see the difference and what a great golf course it is. It’s in phenomenal condition and it’s a joy to be back. It’s amazing to see how much the course has changed and they’re putting back tees on nearly every hole which kind of suits it because the rough is heavy, the greens are firm and it’s a nice challenge.

Nice to get to 500

Discussing his DP World Tour achievement of 500 appearances, the Dubliner stated:

“500 appearances isn’t something you envisage or plan for but it’s nice to get there. I’ve probably played close to 800 tournaments in my 30-year professional career. I started a bit later than most people because I didn’t turn pro until I was 24. I’m happy to be out here playing on the DP World Tour and I’m still enjoying it.

“I couldn’t have dreamt of the career that I’ve had. I’m quite an optimist and that’s what I love about golf it always gives you that hope that you’re going to find the secret and I’m still doing that today.

Still loves the game

“I still have a pure love for the game. I’m fascinated by it, I enjoy it, I love coaching and thinking about the game. 20 years ago we pretended we weren’t golf nerds but I’m as biggest a golf nerd as you can get. I’m here now to try and be competitive and I know the only way I can do that is to enjoy it.”

.@padraig_h gets his 500th appearance underway #QatarMasters pic.twitter.com/iS1sjyn6bQ

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) February 5, 2026

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The Irish golfer birdied the third extra hole to delight the home crowds and claim his first victory on European soil since becoming Europe’s first player to complete the career grand slam at the Masters in April.

Eagle Putt Forces Play-Off

Five-time Major winner McIlroy holed a 28-foot eagle putt on his 72nd hole to finish on 17 under par alongside Lagergren and force a play-off in the third of the DP World Tour’s Back 9 tournaments.

Both players went close to eagles at the first time of asking before tidying up for matching birdies in the $6 million event.

McIlroy’s approach on the second extra hole only just cleared the water. Both players achieved the same result as they both claimed a birdie four.

At the third extra hole, Lagergren found the water hazard, allowing McIlroy to win it with two putts and emulate his 2016 Amgen Irish Open victory at the Co Kildare venue.

Delight for McIlroy

McIlroy was full of praise for the home supporters, admitting:

“I feel just so lucky that I get to do this, I get to do this in front of these people. The support has been absolutely amazing all week.

“I thought it was going to be a nice homecoming, obviously coming home with the Green Jacket and all that, but this has been absolutely incredible. This has exceeded all of my expectations. Just so, so happy I could play the way I did this week for all of them and get the win.”

The Co Down golfer continued:

“Hopefully we get a bit of it in a few weeks’ time at the Ryder Cup. But this is absolutely incredible. I love coming home. I love playing in this atmosphere. Moments like this, these are the things you’re going to remember well after your career is over. This is a really special day.

“To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my National Open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that’s a pretty cool year. 2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career.

“I’ve got a big week next week at Wentworth and then obviously everyone’s looking forward to the Ryder Cup. I’m just so happy my game’s in good shape. I feel like I’m playing well and I’m so excited for what’s coming up.”

Final round 66 for Lagergren

Joakim Lagergren emerged from a five-way tie for the lead on Sunday’s back nine at The K Club with a superb round of 66 to finish runner-up in Straffan.

Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello made a hole-in-one at the par-three third as he joined countryman Angel Hidalgo in a share of third on 15 under par, while another Spaniard Angel Ayora was two shots further back in fifth alongside overnight leader Adrian Saddier.

McIlroy bogeyed the first, his first dropped shot in 38 holes, but bounced back with a 38-foot putt for birdie at the second and saved par with a good up-and-down at the next.

The now 20-time DP World Tour winner birdied the fourth and then holed from 43 feet at the fifth to move two under for the day and 13 under for the week. He birdied the ninth to join a five-way tie on 14 under as he made the turn.

McIlroy holed a steely par-saver at the 12th and to the delight of the home crowd, before his six-foot putt at the 13th made a full circuit of the hole to drop back in the front edge.

Cabrera Bello joined him at the top with a birdie at the par-five 16th as Hidalgo dropped a shot at the 14th and Ayora set a clubhouse target of 13 under after a 67.

Lagergren eagle on 16th

Lagergren made a spectacular eagle at the 16th to go 16 under as Cabrera Bello’s 67 lowered the clubhouse lead to 15 under and Hidalgo, with a birdie at the 16th, and McIlroy, who parred the 17th, were also on that mark.

Lagergren’s birdie at the last left McIlroy needing an eagle to force a play-off – and after two blows onto the green, he delivered exactly what was required.

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Along with the Irish golfer, for whom it will be a third appearance in the competition, Donald named Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka as his six Captain’s Picks.

They join the six automatic qualifiers – Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose – to compete the 12-man European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.

McIlroy will be the most experienced player on the team with seven previous appearance in the biennial competition.

The contest against the United States, will take place at Bethpage Black, Farmington, New York, from September 26-28.

First away Ryder Cup

Sweden’s Åberg and Straka of Austria will each be playing in their first away Ryder Cup, having made their debuts in the 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory in Rome two years ago.

Norwegian Hovland, who paired up with fellow Scandinavian Åberg in a record-breaking foursomes win in Rome, will be making his third consecutive appearance.

Fourth Ryder Cup for Fitzpatrick and Rahm

Englishman Fitzpatrick and Spain’s Rahm are the most experienced of the Captain’s Picks, with three previous appearances apiece. Fitzpatrick teed it up in 2016, 2021 and 2023, with Rahm now making it four in a row, following his debut in Paris in 2018.

11 of the 12 players from Rome return

European Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald, said of his side:

“We are a settled and united team with a strong culture, with 11 of the 12 players from the victory in Rome returning, and an exciting, talented rookie in Rasmus Højgaard, who was around our team environment in Rome.

“We also have a lot of experience and that is going to be important going to Bethpage because we know the challenge that awaits us.

“Although the team itself is similar to Rome, I have approached this captaincy from a very different angle. A different challenge requires different thinking and strategies.

“I’m excited that we now have our 12 players in place, and together we are all fully focused on trying to retain the Ryder Cup in New York and trying to create history.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2025 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Åberg (Sweden). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)

Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 33. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) Age 24. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)

Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Shane Lowry. Age 38. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Rory McIlroy. Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Justin Rose (England) Age 45. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023)

Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

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The 54-hole stroke play tournament is part of the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS), will see 126 players from across Europe competing for a €45,000 prize fund.

Representing Ireland will be Olivia Mehaffey, Áine Donegan (a), Emma Fleming (a), Roisín Scanlon (a), Anna Abom (a), Olivia Hunt, Olivia Costello (a), Anna Dawson (a) and Aideen Walsh (a).

The inclusion if a number of Irish golfers will offer fans the chance to watch our homegrown talent compete against international superstars right here on Irish soil.

First Women’s Irish Challenge

LET Access Series

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The Dublin golfer is aiming to become the fifth player in history to win both The Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open.

The Irishman, who won the Claret Jug in 2007 at Carnoustie and defended it at Royal Birkdale in 2008, carded a second consecutive round of 65 to reach 13 under par after three rounds.

Harrington made the turn two under par after birdies on the fourth and ninth holes. He then made his third gain of the day at the 11th hole. He recovered from a dropped shot on the 12th with back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th holes and then rolled in a short putt on the 18th hole after hitting his approach to three feet.

Incredible touch from @Padraig_H

Watch the ISPS Handa Senior Open live now on Golf Channel.pic.twitter.com/T10rK51ug9

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) July 26, 2025

A birdie putt at the last saw him move two strokes clear of Justin Leonard, who also carded a second consecutive round of 65. The American, who won The Open in 1997 at Royal Troon, is also bidding to etch his name in history.

Commenting on his third round, Pádraig Harrington admitted:

“I still wasn’t comfortable. Like I thought I was getting better but yeah, I don’t think I rode my luck as much today. I wasn’t out of position but I certainly didn’t play much better than yesterday. Maybe a little bit more cautious today.

“It’s always nice to come back with a bounceback and a birdie. Believe it or not, I’d prefer to make a bogey and a birdie than two pars. I think when you can get caught in that sort of, I-haven’t-made-a-bogey-for-a-while type thing, that can get in your head. So getting rid of that is not a bad thing.”

Just four players have won both The Open and Senior Open, with Darren Clarke becoming the latest to do so after triumphing in 2022. The Irishman defeated Harrington by one stroke at Gleneagles to join Bob Charles, Gary Player and Tom Watson as the only men to achieve that feat.

"I'll wait until tomorrow to try and digest that."@Padraig_H was honest when asked about his opportunities at Sunningdale pic.twitter.com/qVWOWPGPJw

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) July 26, 2025

Thomas Bjørn, Europe’s victorious 2018 Ryder Cup Captain and 15-time winner on the DP World Tour, carded a three under par 67 to sit in solo third on ten under.

In a share of fourth on eight under par are 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion Steven Alker, former PGA Tour winner Greg Chalmers, 2017 Legends Tour Order of Merit winner Clark Dennis and 2002 WGC Match Play winner Kevin Sutherland.

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Historic Win Secures Masters Invitation

24 year old Joe Highsmith, made the cut on the number at the Cognizant Classic, then shot back to back 64s to take home the trophy, a 2 year PGA Tour exemption, an invite to The Masters and more than doubled his career earnings in the process. Awesome! pic.twitter.com/dt7tE47n0y

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) March 3, 2025

Joe Highsmith delivered a stunning final round at the Cognizant Classic, carding a 7-under 64 to overturn a four-shot deficit and claim his maiden PGA Tour victory in dramatic fashion.

His 64-64 weekend set a tournament record for the lowest closing 36-hole score since the event moved to PGA National in 2007. The two-shot win not only cements his breakthrough on the PGA Tour but also earns him a coveted place at the Masters, along with entry into the remaining five signature events of the season.

Highsmith’s triumph was all the more remarkable given the pressure he faced just to make the cut. A crucial par putt on Friday kept him in the tournament, and he never looked back.

Knapp’s Collapse Opens the Door

Overnight leader Jake Knapp, who made history with an opening-round 59, saw his hopes of a wire-to-wire victory unravel on the back nine.

Leading by one on the 11th, Knapp found the water, took two shots to escape, and walked away with a devastating triple bogey. The setback saw him tumble down the leaderboard, eventually settling for a tie for sixth.

Junior Bridgeman (64) and J.J. Spaun (68) finished as joint runners-up, while Ireland’s Shane Lowry closed with a 67 to secure a tie for 11th.

Lydia Ko Dominates in Singapore for 23rd LPGA Title

Fast Start Seals HSBC Women’s World Championship

Lydia Ko showcased her class with a flawless final round to capture her first HSBC Women’s World Championship title in Singapore.

The New Zealander, playing in the tournament for the 11th time, began the day with a one-shot lead and wasted no time in extending it, reeling off three consecutive birdies from the sixth hole to take control.

A composed 3-under 69 saw her finish four shots clear of Jeeno Thitikul (70) and Ayaka Furue (68), marking her 23rd career LPGA victory.

Hull’s Challenge Fades

Charley Hull, who started just one shot behind Ko, saw her chances slip away with a disappointing 74, finishing in a tie for fourth alongside Im Jin Hee, who posted the best round of the day with a 67, and Gaby Lopez (70).

Ko’s victory adds to an already glittering career that includes an Olympic gold medal and LPGA Hall of Fame status, reaffirming her place among the game’s elite.

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The Irish golfer signed for a one over par final round of 71 to finish 13 under par for the tournament, one stroke clear of overnight leader Joakim Lagergren on a dramatic final day.

The 27-year-old climbs to fourth in the season-long Road to Mallorca Rankings with a win and was delighted to come out on top after going shot-for-shot with Lagergren across the entirety of the weekend.

“I’m over the moon and kind of lost for words,” he said. “I’ve waited a long time for this and for it to happen, with all my family out here today, is just amazing.

“The support out there calmed me down. Knowing that they were all there to support me made a difference.

“Joakim is a fierce competitor and a proven winner, and he’s won here before, so I knew not to take him lightly. I’m just pleased because I putted terribly today but I managed to get the job done.”

Purcell started the day one stoke behind Lagergren, but after mixing two birdies with five bogeys on the front nine, made the turn searching for a spark to kick-start his round.

An eagle on the par five tenth did just that, with Purcell joining Lagergren at the top of the leaderboard, before a dropped shot at hole 13 saw him one adrift with five holes to play.

Purcell then birdied the 15th, and when Lagergren bogeyed the same hole, a two-shot swing saw Purcell move into the solo lead for the first time on the final day, before he parred his way home for a memorable victory.

“On 18, it was the calmest I felt all day”

“I knew it was going to be tough but that there were chances on the back nine,” he added. “It was a big momentum swing when I held the putt on the tenth for eagle.

“I missed a chance on 14 to get back level, but made a nice birdie to go one ahead on 15 and then played really good golf coming in.

“On 18, it was the calmest I felt all day. After a few loose shots at the start of the day, I got into the flow of things and felt very in control and knew the job I had to do.

“Every time you can have a win, you can shoot up the Rankings, but there’s still a lot of golf to play over the rest of the year.”

Englishman Jack Senior posted a three under par round of 67 to finish in third, with Frenchman Robin Sciot-Siegrist two shots further back in fourth. Dane Hamish Brown and South African Robin Williams finished in a share of fifth on eight under par.

Purcell now fourth in Road to Mallorca rankings

Purcell climbs 20 places to fourth in the Road to Mallorca Rankings on 683 points, while Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen remains in pole position on 1,061 points. Englishman John Parry sits second on 1,007, and Spaniard Joel Moscatel remains in third place on 870 points.

The Road to Mallorca continues next week with the Irish Challenge taking place at The K Club in Co Kildare from August 1-4.

Select scores after round four with Irish players in bold:

267 C PURCELL 66 65 65 71,
268 J LAGERGREN (SWE) 63 71 61 73,
269 J SENIOR (ENG) 67 69 66 67,
271 R SCIOT-SIEGRIST (FRA) 65 71 65 70,
272 R WILLIAMS (RSA) 69 69 67 67, H BROWN (DEN) 69 68 66 69,
273 L BJERREGAARD (DEN) 68 68 70 67, A QUIROS (ESP) 68 69 67 69, P PINEAU (FRA) 69 66 67 71,
274 R MCGOWAN (ENG) 68 72 67 67, A HALVORSEN (NOR) 72 69 66 67,
275 J FREIBURGHAUS (SUI) 72 69 68 66, O GUILLAMOUNDEGUY (FRA) 67 69 72 67, A CHESTERS (ENG) 68 72 66 69, W BESSELING (NED) 70 64 71 70, T HUNT (WAL) 67 69 68 71,
276 M LINDBERG (SWE) 68 72 71 65, M GIBOUDOT (FRA) 73 68 67 68, L VAN MEIJEL (NED) 71 70 66 69,

281 G HURLEY (IRL) 67 70 69 75,
282 J CALDWELL 70 71 71 70,

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The Irishman fired a bogey-free five under par round of 65 in testing conditions to reach nine under par for the week. He is three clear of Dane Jeppe Kristian Andersen, Swede Joakim Lagergren and Wil Besseling from the Netherland’s who share second.

The 27-year-old will go into the weekend in a commanding position, with his accuracy off the tee rewarded as wind and rain hit Co Antrim.

“I’m very pleased,” he said. “Any time you can go bogey-free it’s very nice, and especially round here. It’s quite demanding, so I did a good job.

“Me and my caddie did a great job. There were a lot of tricky wind conditions, a lot of crosswinds, but we were hitting good shots.

“I kept myself in position off the tee, and I think it didn’t feel as difficult as it probably should’ve because of that.”

Road to Mallorca

Purcell has enjoyed a strong first half of the Road to Mallorca season, recording three top ten finishes in 13 starts to sit 24th in the Road to Mallorca Rankings.

With the top 20 earning promotion to the DP World Tour at the end of the year, Purcell is pleased to be in contention once more as he targets an elusive first Challenge Tour title.

“Any time you’re up there, it gives you that extra motivation to keep it going for four days,” he added. “I’ve been playing nicely this year so hopefully there’s more of the same tomorrow.

“After missing the cut last week I made sure to tell myself my game wasn’t too far away. It felt very close and it’s just about piecing it together for four rounds.

“I know golf is well supported up here, and I love playing in front of people, so I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

Select scores after round two [Irish players in bold]:

131 C PURCELL 66 65,
134 J LAGERGREN (SWE) 63 71, J ANDERSEN (DEN) 65 69, W BESSELING (NED) 70 64,
135 P PINEAU (FRA) 69 66,
136 R SCIOT-SIEGRIST (FRA) 65 71, O GUILLAMOUNDEGUY (FRA) 67 69, J SENIOR (ENG) 67 69, L BJERREGAARD (DEN) 68 68, P L?NGFORS (SWE) 65 71, T HUNT (WAL) 67 69,
137 J THOMSON (ENG) 67 70, A QUIROS (ESP) 68 69, R KARLBERG (SWE) 67 70, H BROWN (DEN) 69 68, G HURLEY 67 70, S MAZZOLI (ITA) 67 70,
143 S THORNTON 72 71
144 J MURPHY 75 69
146 D MCELROY 73 73
147 M POWER 77 70
148 R MULLARNEY 75 73, A MAGUIRE 73 75
151 D MULLIGAN 70 81
C O’ROURKE 79 WD

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The 2016 Champion Ko, who returned to the top of the Rolex Rankings following a stunning victory at the season-ending 2022 CME Group Tour Championship in November, is looking forward to her first visit to Carlton Woods and kicking off her major season:

“The build-up to The Chevron Championship is always unique as it’s the first major of our season and eight long months since we last had the chance to compete for a major title. After The Chevron Championship, the season is pretty packed and the majors seem to come thick and fast so, being the first one makes it a huge focus for us all. I am really looking forward to getting my first look at Carlton Woods and to seeing everything that Chevron has put in place for the new era of this historic major Championship.”

An eight-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Korda, who missed last year’s Championship due to injury, is eagerly anticipating her return:

“Missing out last year was so tough so I am definitely excited to be playing this year. I am really looking forward to this season and the first major in April at The Chevron Championship and, hopefully, a really strong major season. I am excited to get to The Woodlands and see the course at Carlton Woods.”

Other early confirmations include defending Champion Jennifer Kupcho, 2021 Champion Patty Tavatanakit, 2020 Champion Mirim Lee, 2019 Champion Jin Young Ko and 2011 Champion Stacy Lewis with the world’s best players eager to claim the first victory over the renowned Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at the opening Major of their season.

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One of the most popular golf courses in Galway is the Galway Bay Golf Resort. Located just outside the city of Galway, this course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course is set along the coast and features beautiful views of Galway Bay and the surrounding countryside. It also offers a great opportunity for golfers to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Another notable course in the area is the Moyvalley Golf Club, a championship course designed by Christy O’Connor Jr. and Peter McEvoy. This course is known for its challenging layout and fast greens, and it has hosted many major tournaments and events throughout the years. It is also considered one of the most challenging course in the area.

The Connemara Championship Golf Links, is another excellent course to consider. It is set in a rugged and beautiful landscape with the Atlantic ocean to one side, which gives it a unique feeling for golfer. The course is also challenging due to the elements, as the wind and rain can be a factor when playing.

In addition to these courses, there are also many other excellent golf courses throughout Galway, such as the Galway Golf Club and Bearna Golf Club. All of them offer different types of golfing experiences, and many of them have hosted major tournaments throughout the years.

Overall, Galway is an excellent destination for golfers, offering a wide range of challenging and beautiful courses, as well as the opportunity to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of the area. With excellent facilities, a warm welcome and great value, a golfing vacation in Galway is an experience that you’ll never forget.

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

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