Ronan Flood had plenty of reasons to celebrate after Padraig Harrington's victory at the U.S. Senior Open. Yet the longtime caddie was most excited about what the win unlocked for next season.

Harrington's successful title defense secured his place in the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, a prospect that particularly excited Flood, who has been on the Irishman's bag since joining his team in 2004.

"It was luckily our day today ... we get to go to Pebble [Beach] next year,” said Flood on a video shared by the PGA TOUR Champions on X.

With the successful title defense at the U.S. Senior Open, Harrington qualified for the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. It will be the Irishman’s 19th start at the major.

Harrington’s best finish at the U.S. Open came in 2012, a tie for fourth. However, he and Flood do know a thing or two about winning majors.

The pair have lifted three majors together: the back-to-back Open Championships in 2007 and 2008, and the PGA Championship in 2008.

Interestingly, Flood’s son would be happier than the pair about the qualification.

“My son has gone mad into it. He was pushing all week, he wanted to come to Pebble. He was at Shinnecock two weeks ago and so, he’s gonna be happy,” Flood said.

The pair now also have four senior major titles in the bag. Three of them were U.S. Senior Open titles won in 2022, 2025, and on Sunday.

Harrington has openly acknowledged Flood’s immense role in the victories.

Harrington credited Flood for the 2007 Open win

On the day of his World Golf Hall of Fame induction, Harrington made sure that Flood got his flowers.

“People always ask if caddies make a difference. Categorically I can say, Ronan won me the 2007 Open Championship. On the 72nd hole when I hit my second ball in the water it was the first and only time I was on the golf course where I felt embarrassed,” said Harrington, as reported by Irish Golfer.

Harrington dramatically secured his first major title. When everything was falling apart for the Irishman, Flood held it together.

“I wanted to give up. I really thought I had thrown away the Open. However, Ronan stuck to his guns and started into the clichés, ‘it’s not over yet, one shot at a time’ and so on. I think he took the four iron off me pretty quickly because I’m not sure if I wouldn’t have had a swing at him with it!” he added.

Harrington carded a double-bogey six on the final hole and teed off against Spain’s Sergio García in a playoff. Defeating García in a four-hole playoff by one stroke, Harrington secured his first major, and Flood deserved all the credit.

What are your thoughts on the Harrington-Flood duo? Share them in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav