Former champions Darren Clarke and Bernhard Langer, alongside four-time Major winner Ernie Els, have been confirmed for the 2026 ISPS HANDA Senior Open, set to take place at Gleneagles from July 23–26.
Europe’s only Senior Major returns to the iconic King’s Course for the second time, following its successful staging in 2022. With a strong field already assembling, the Championship is shaping up to deliver a compelling week of elite senior golf at one of Scotland’s most celebrated venues.
The trio will join defending champion Pádraig Harrington, who secured his third Senior Major title at Sunningdale in 2025. His presence further strengthens what is expected to be a highly competitive and globally recognised field.
Darren Clarke returns to Gleneagles with fond memories, having claimed victory at the 2022 edition. That win placed him among a select group of players to have won both The Open Championship and the Senior Open. His Major breakthrough came at Royal St George’s in 2011, where he finished ahead of Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson to become the first Northern Irishman in over six decades to lift The Open.
“I feel honoured to have won both The Open and The Senior Open and I’m very much looking forward to going back to Gleneagles this summer,” Clarke said. “The King’s Course is a special test, and I’m excited to relive those memories in Scotland.”
Bernhard Langer, the most successful player in Senior Open history, will once again be a central figure. The German legend has lifted the trophy four times, with his 18-under-par total at Royal Porthcawl in 2014 still standing as the tournament record. Langer arrives with ambitions of adding a 13th Senior Major to his remarkable career.
“I’m proud of my record in this Championship and always look forward to competing,” Langer said. “I’m still motivated to achieve more and eager to return to Gleneagles.”
Ernie Els, a four-time Major champion, continues his pursuit of a first Senior Open title. The South African finished fifth at Sunningdale last year and recorded a tie for third the last time the event was held at Gleneagles. With an extensive career that includes 27 DP World Tour victories and 19 PGA TOUR titles, Els remains a formidable contender.
“Gleneagles is an incredible venue, and it would mean a lot to win here,” Els said. “My game is in good shape, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
With a blend of proven champions and in-form contenders, the 2026 ISPS HANDA Senior Open is set to deliver a high-calibre showcase of senior golf. Tickets are now available, including daily, season, and premium Ticket+ options, offering fans the opportunity to witness some of the game’s most storied names in action on the King’s Course.
About the ISPS HANDA Senior Open
The Senior Open was introduced in 1987 at Turnberry in Ayrshire when Neil Coles, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tour group, won the inaugural title. This led, two years later, to the formal inception of what is now the Staysure Legends Tour. It has since been held at some of the United Kingdom’s most historic and renowned venues, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal County Down, Carnoustie, Royal Porthcawl, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush and Royal Lytham & St Annes.
About ISPS HANDA
ISPS Handa was founded by Dr Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to further the transformative power of sport across the globe. ISPS HANDA funds and promotes sporting events in archery, bowling, boxing, football, golf, polo, rowing, rugby and swimming with an emphasis on blind and disabled golf. Dr Handa’s philanthropic work extends to communities around the world, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, providing opportunities and support to causes and communities.
‘‘We believe that sport has a unique ability to create hope, to break down educational and cultural barriers and to inspire people in a way that can unite communities around the world. ISPS HANDA’s support for golf stems from a firm belief in the power of sport.”
