Jerry Kelly wins Senior Open at Glen Eagles
American golfer Jerry Kelly won the ISPS HANDA Senior Open, which concluded on July 26, 2026, at the Kings Course in Gleneagles, Scotland. Kelly, with a final score of 10-under par, 270 strokes, finished two strokes ahead of the group tied for second place, securing his third Senior Major title.
According to a statement from the PGA TOUR Champions, Kelly achieved his 14th career victory with this win. This is the first time that 59-year-old Kelly has reached the top of the Senior Open, and it is also his first win of the 2026 season.
A score of 10-under-par, achieved with consecutive rounds of under-par in the fourth round
Kelly recorded a score of 4-under par, 66, on the first day of the tournament, and then scored 2-under par, 68, in the second through fourth rounds. She maintained a consistent performance throughout the four days, with scores of 66-68-68-68, allowing her to remain in contention for the lead.
Kelly, who started the final round tied for the lead with Australia’s Cameron Percy, recorded a score of 68 with four birdies and two bogeys. On the final 18th hole, he hit his ball into a bunker near the green, but he calmly escaped and made a birdie putt to secure the victory.
Two strokes ahead of three players tied for second place
Matt Goggin and Darren Pickett, along with Cameron Percy, tied for second place with a score of 8-under par, 272 strokes. Goggin shot a final round of 7-under par, 63 strokes, to close the gap, but he could not prevent Kelly from winning.
Third senior major title and 14th career win on the tour
This tournament marks Kelly’s third senior major championship victory. He had previously won the Kauri Companies Championship in 2020 and 2022, and this is the first time he has added a trophy from a different senior major tournament.
Kelly achieved his third victory in his 44th appearance at a senior major, and secured the top position in the ISPS HANDA Senior Open in his ninth attempt. His total number of wins on the PGA TOUR Champions now stands at 14.
Kelly also became the first American-born player to win this tournament since Marco Dawson in 2015. His final score of 10-under-par is the same as the score recorded by Darren Clarke, the winner of the 2022 tournament held at Glen Eagles.
Securing the right to compete in the 2027 St. Andrews Open
Kelly secured $447,800 in prize money and a spot in the 2027 tournament at St Andrews‘ Old Course, the 155th edition of The Open. It is highly significant that winning the Senior Open leads to the world’s most prestigious stage in golf.
According to the R&A, the Senior Open is a major European tournament for male golfers aged 50 and over. The 2026 tournament took place from July 23 to 26 and consisted of four rounds, held at the Glen Eagles Kings Course in Auchterarder, Scotland.
Distinguish from the 2023 competition records
Kelly’s victory occurred at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Senior Open, not in 2023. The 2023 tournament was held at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales, where Alex Čejka won in a playoff against Padraig Harrington.
Kelly won his third Senior Major at the 2026 Glen Eagles, finishing at 10-under par with a score of 270, two strokes ahead of the competition. His consistent play throughout the tournament, and a crucial birdie on the final hole, were key factors in securing his victory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What year did Jerry Kelly win the Senior Open?
Jerry Kelly won the ISPS HANDA Senior Open on July 26, 2026. The winner of the 2023 tournament was Alex Ceka.
What was Jerry Kelly’s final score?
The total score after 4 rounds is 10 under par, with a score of 270. The scores for each round were 66, 68, 68, and 68.
How many strokes did Jerry Kelly win by?
Matt Goggin, Darren Picard, and Cameron Percy finished with a score of 8 under par, 272 strokes, and won by 2 strokes.
How many senior major championships has Jerry Kelly won?
This is his third major championship victory in the senior division. He previously won major championships in 2020 and 2022 at the U.S. Senior Open.
What rights to compete were awarded for winning the senior open?
Kelly secured the right to compete in the 155th Open, which will be held at the St Andrews Old Course in 2027.
