FINAL OUTPUT:
Pádraig Harrington Joins four-Way Tie at SAS Championship
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Ireland’s Pádraig Harrington fired a 4-under 68 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the PGA Tour Champions’ SAS Championship on October 11, 2025. He is joined by Robert Karlsson, Chad Campbell, and Stewart Cink at the top of the leaderboard.
Harrington’s Solid Start
Harrington’s round included five birdies, with his only dropped shot coming on the 15th hole. He emphasized the importance of accurate play,notably on the challenging greens at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary,North Carolina.
“the goal today was hit as many fairways and as many greens as you could. Obviously just eliminate the stress of those three or four-footers with the pace of the greens,” harrington noted, highlighting the importance of precision on the course.
Clarke’s Tough Day
Fellow Irishman Darren Clarke faced a tougher start, carding a 78. His round included two double bogeys and two bogeys.
Race for the Charles Schwab Cup
The SAS Championship marks the final event before the three-tournament playoff series that will determine the winner of the Charles schwab Cup. Only the top 72 players in the Charles Schwab Cup points standings will advance to the first playoff event, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.
A History of Championships
Harrington and Cink share a notable history, having won The Open Championship in three consecutive years. Harrington secured victories in 2007 and 2008, followed by Cink’s triumph in 2009 after defeating Tom Watson in a playoff.
Challenging Greens
Harrington described the greens as exceptionally fast, stating, “I think they’re as fast as you could possibly get them…they’re the fastest greens, I’d say as fast as I’ve ever putted on anywhere at any stage at any time.” This sentiment was echoed by many players in the field.
Harrington is seeking his 12th career Champions tour win.
