Major champion, 54, confident he can break Phil Mickelson's record
Padraig Harrington says he still believes he can compete at the highest level and is targeting major championship success in 2026.
Multiple major champion Padraig Harrington insists he is far from done in golf's big four.
The 54-year-old Irishman captured his first major win at the 2007 Open at Carnoustie and successfully defended the claret jug a year later at Royal Birkdale.
Harrington also won the 2008 PGA Championship and, after turning his attention to the over 50s circuit, has won three more senior majors (U.S. Open 2022, 2025, Senior Open 2025).
History tells us that Harrington is unlikely to add to his haul of three major wins but the former European Ryder Cup captain believes he can break Phil Mickelson's record.
Mickelson became the oldest male golfer to win a major when he captured the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island aged 50.
Lefty held off a challenge from Brooks Koepka in the final round to claim the sixth major win of his hall of fame career.
Harrington told RTE he believes he will have "a few opportunities next year".
"U.S. Opens tend to have been my most consistent events over the years," he said.
"Really tough challenge, good short game, good decisions. So I see myself with a few opportunities.
"I don't necessarily think I'm gonna go in and win one on the blind, like a Tom Watson.
"I think if I'm going to win one, you'll see me in contention in some regular events going into it."
Rank | Golfer | Major | Age at win |
1 | Phil Mickelson | 2021 PGA Championship | 50 years, 11 months, 7 days |
2 | Julius Boros | 1968 PGA Championship | 48 years, 4 months, 18 days |
3 | Tom Morris Sr. | 1867 The Open Championship | 46 years, 3 months, 10 days |
4 | Jack Nicklaus | 1986 Masters Tournament | 46 years, 2 months, 23 days |
5 | Jerry Barber | 1961 PGA Championship | 45 years, 3 months, 6 days |
6 | Hale Irwin | 1990 U.S. Open | 45 years, 14 days |
7 | Lee Trevino | 1984 PGA Championship | 44 years, 8 months, 18 days |
8 | Roberto De Vicenzo | 1967 The Open Championship | 44 years, 3 months, 1 day |
9 | Harry Vardon | 1914 The Open Championship | 44 years, 1 month, 10 days |
10 | Raymond Floyd | 1986 U.S. Open | 43 years, 9 months, 11 days |
He added: "I don't see myself jumping in there and having an out-of-body experience and winning.
"I see myself playing well, getting my game in good shape and building my way into those events. I'm not looking for a lucky week.
"I'm looking to get my game in good shape that I'm an outsider going into it – 'what about him?' sort of thing.
"I don't expect to be the favourite, but I need to move myself into that category of 'don't write off Harrington'.
"I know I can do it if it's down the stretch. I feel like I can compete with anybody in that situation."
Scottie Scheffler, 29, won two majors in 2025. The top-ranked American started his season late after he needed surgery on his hand after cutting it on the stem of a wine glass.
He cantered to victory at the PGA Championship at Valhalla and landed his first Open win at Royal Portrush in July.
Rory McIlroy won The Masters whilst J.J. Spaun was the surprise winner of the U.S. Open at Oakmont.
Where are the men's majors being played in 2026?
The men's major season kicks off with the annual Masters Tournament at Augusta National over 7-9 April.
The 2026 PGA Championship will be played at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania over 14-17 May.
The U.S. Open will be contested at Shinnecock Hills in New York over 18-21 June.
And The Open will return to Royal Birkdale over 16-19 July.
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