Defending Champion Padraig Harrington Leads 2,780 Entries as Qualifying Season Gets Underway
The road to one of senior golf’s most prestigious championships is officially underway.
The United States Golf Association has accepted 2,780 entries for the 46th U.S. Senior Open Championship, setting the stage for a highly competitive summer at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. The championship will be contested from July 2–5, marking the third time the historic venue hosts the event.
Leading the field is defending champion Padraig Harrington, who captured the title in both 2022 and 2025 and returns looking to add another chapter to his already impressive senior major resume.
A Championship Built on Legacy and Opportunity
The U.S. Senior Open continues to blend championship pedigree with open access — a hallmark of USGA events.
Eleven past champions are fully exempt into the field, including names that have shaped the game across generations:
- Jim Furyk
- Bernhard Langer
- Steve Stricker
- Colin Montgomerie
- Kenny Perry
…and several more former champions who know exactly what it takes to win on this stage.
But what makes this championship unique is the path to get there.
With entries coming from 49 states, Washington D.C., and 38 countries, the U.S. Senior Open continues to reflect the global reach and accessibility of the game.
Two-Stage Qualifying Adds to the Drama
For the second consecutive year, the championship will feature a two-stage qualifying process, mirroring the structure of the U.S. Open.
Local qualifying kicks off April 2 through May 7 across 32 sites, giving thousands of players a shot at advancing. Those who make it through will compete in final qualifying, held at 12 sites nationwide from May 18 through June 15, where the final spots in the 156-player field will be decided.
It’s a system that keeps the dream alive for amateurs and professionals alike — a reminder that even in senior golf, the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Scioto Country Club: A Historic Stage
Few venues carry the weight and tradition of Scioto Country Club.
The club has hosted multiple USGA championships, including the 1926 U.S. Open won by Bobby Jones, and continues to stand as one of the most respected test sites in American golf.
Its return as host reinforces the USGA’s commitment to pairing elite competition with venues that honor the history of the game while delivering a championship-level challenge.
What to Expect This Summer
The U.S. Senior Open is more than just a championship — it’s a gathering of legends, competitors, and global talent all chasing one more major moment.
With a deep field, a demanding venue, and a qualifying process that invites stories from every corner of the game, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most compelling yet.
From established champions to those fighting their way through qualifying, all roads now lead to Scioto.
Stay locked in with G Social Now for continued coverage as the field takes shape and the championship draws closer.