It seemed to be a question of when and not if. It’s official.
Bernhard Langer, a PGA Tour Champions member since 1996, won the 2023 U.S. Senior Open on Sunday at SentryWorld Golf Course near Stevens Point in Wisconsin.
Hale Irwin’s 46th win breaks the logjam that he has had since February. Langer’s second U.S. senior title is a record-breaking 12th major for the ageless wonder, who will turn 66 in just two months. The 13-year span between his two U.S. senior titles is the longest on the senior circuit. He is the only golfer who has won all five majors for seniors.
Langer began his final round in a two shot lead. He reached 9 under par for the week after five holes on Sunday to extend his lead by five shots over local favorite Jerry Kelly. Langer took a six-shot advantage after his approach landed on the edge the cup at the seventh hole.
This cushion enabled him to navigate through a bogey, bogey, bogey finish. He made it official with a 70 in the final round to secure a 2-shot victory over Steve Stricker who finished with a score of 69. Kelly finished third with 4 under.
Langer avoided hitting any chip shots over the final 36 holes due to his accuracy and ability of putting from off the green.
Steven Alker, who finished 6 over par in the final round on Sunday and tied for 18th place, had the best score all week. Padraig Harrington finished tied for 18th with a score of 6 over. He is the U.S. Senior Open champion in 2022.
The U.S. Senior Open 2024 will be held at Newport Country Club, Newport, Rhode Island.
