Rory McIlroy’s yacht claim before surprising Padraig Harrington – ‘I had no idea’

Rory McIlroy was in attendance for the final round of the Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale, where his friend Padraig Harrington claimed a three-shot victory

Rory McIlroy took a break from his hectic schedule to witness the final round of the Senior Open Championship – but Padraig Harrington was completely unaware of his presence.

The Irishman clinched a three-shot win in Berkshire, bagging his third senior major championship. Harrington’s triumph – which came just a month after winning the Senior US Open – over Justin Leonard and Thomas Bjorn placed him among a select group of just five players who have secured both the Open and Senior Open titles.

Fresh off tying for seventh at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, McIlroy, who resides a mere three miles from Sunningdale, has recently settled into a newly built mansion on the Wentworth estate with his wife, Erica Stoll.

When quizzed by fans about the location of his Green Jacket from his Masters victory, a jovial McIlroy – wine glass in hand and amidst vibrant music – revealed: “It’s on the yacht.”

After an action-packed few weeks, McIlroy returned to England and opted to spend his Sunday at Sunningdale, eagerly watching the Senior Open’s climax. The 36-year-old was all smiles as he posed for photos with admirers outside the Sunningdale clubhouse upon his arrival, reports the Express US.

A true aficionado of the game, McIlroy cherishes living near Sunningdale, one of the globe’s most esteemed golf courses. His relocation to the English countryside, a short drive from the course, suggests he’ll be cutting down on time spent at his family’s Florida residence, where they’ve been based of late.

McIlroy’s stance on senior tour participation remains quite remarkable. Earlier this year, he made it clear that he simply cannot picture himself taking part in the over-50s circuit when his peak playing days are behind him.

“Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf,” he stated. “Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”

Despite McIlroy attending to watch Harrington in action, the three-time major champion admitted he was unbeknownst to his presence after telling reporters: “I didn’t see him out there. Was he out there?” When a reporter jibed: “He was not in a beard but incognito,” Harrington replied: “I had the head down all day. I never saw anybody. I had no idea.”

Harrington propelled himself to the top of the leaderboard at Sunningdale after consecutive rounds of 65 on Friday and Saturday, with the 53-year-old taking control as he worked through his final round. Despite recording those exceptional scores, Harrington wasn’t entirely pleased with how he was striking the ball.

“I don’t feel very good about how I’m hitting the ball,” he admitted on Saturday. “So I am trying to get away from that and not worry so much about that because clearly I’m scoring well.

“Better off shooting 13-under par and not feeling so good about it than thinking you’re swinging it great and being level par. So I just need to go out and play and try golf tomorrow. Hit the right shot at the right time and not necessarily try and play swing.”