Defending champ Harrington seven back of leader Percy at Senior Open

The Irishman shot an even-par round of 70 on the King's Course leaving him with work to do if he is to successfully defend his crown like he did at last month's US Open

Padraig Harrington of Ireland. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026 - 21:26

Examiner Sport

Defending champion Pádraig Harrington sits seven back of leader Cameron Percy after day one of the ISPS Handa Senior Open at Glenegles Hotel in Scotland.

The Irishman shot an even-par round of 70 on the King's Course leaving him with work to do if he is to successfully defend his crown like he did at last month's US Open.

Harrington entered the back nine -1 but bogeys on the par-5 10th and the 12th set him back before a closing birdie helped him to an even par finish.

Paul McGinley recorded a solid two-under-par round of 68 on his first round, recovering from a bogey-double bogey combo by carding three birdies in a row on the back nine. 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke recorded 71.

Percy produced a brilliant birdie blitz around the turn to take a one-shot lead in the tournament.

The Australian teed off in the favourable early conditions and made the most of the calm winds, recording four birdies in a row from the ninth in a 67 that got him to seven under.

Frenchman Lionel Alexandre was his nearest rival after a bogey-free 64, one shot ahead of four-time Major champion Ernie Els, 2018 winner of this event Miguel Ángel Jiménez and American duo Tom Penrice Jr and Pat Perez.