Colorado Springs, CO, June 30, 2025 – The golfing world is reeling after Stewart Cink, runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Senior Open, dropped a bombshell accusation against champion Padraig Harrington, claiming the Irishman used unfair tactics to secure his one-shot victory at Broadmoor Golf Club. The explosive allegation, made just minutes ago in a post-tournament press conference, has ignited a firestorm, threatening to overshadow Harrington’s second U.S. Senior Open title and reignite debates about integrity in golf.
The Accusation That Stunned the Golf World
Moments after Harrington sealed his victory with a 3-under 67, finishing at -11 (209) to edge Cink’s -10 (210), the 52-year-old American took to the microphone with a grave expression. Cink, visibly frustrated after a final round that saw five lead changes and three ties, pointed to Harrington’s controversial chip-in on the 18th hole in the third round as suspicious.
“I hate to say this, but something felt off,” Cink said, his voice measured but firm. “That chip-in on 18 yesterday—it’s too perfect, too convenient. I’ve heard whispers about possible tampering with the lie or unauthorized tech aiding his precision. The USGA needs to look into this.”
Cink’s accusation centers on Harrington’s dramatic chip-in from 20 yards off the green on the 18th hole during Saturday’s third round, which tied him with Cink and Mark Hensby at -8, securing his spot in the final group. Sources on X suggest Cink believes Harrington may have manipulated the ball’s lie in the rough or used a prohibited device to enhance his short-game accuracy, violating USGA Rule 4.3 (Use of Equipment).
Harrington’s Triumph Under Scrutiny
Harrington, 53, clinched his second U.S. Senior Open title in four years with a steady final round, closing with seven straight pars after a 12-foot birdie on the par-4 11th. His aggressive approach on the 18th fairway Sunday—knocking his shot to 8 feet while Cink’s spun back to 35 feet—sealed a two-putt par and the victory. The Irishman, whose trophy case includes the 2007 and 2008 British Opens and the 2008 PGA Championship, celebrated the win as a “validation of past glories.”
In response to Cink’s allegations, Harrington appeared stunned but composed. “I played my heart out, fair and square,” he said. “That chip-in was skill and a bit of luck, nothing more. Stewart’s a friend, and I’m disappointed he’d question my integrity without evidence.” Harrington’s caddie, Ronan Flood, added, “Paddy’s bag was checked daily. This is nonsense from a sore loser.”
USGA’s Immediate Response
The USGA, responsible for enforcing the Rules of Golf, issued a statement minutes ago: “We are aware of the allegations made by Stewart Cink regarding Padraig Harrington’s conduct. The USGA takes such claims seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the integrity of the championship.”
Officials are reportedly reviewing video footage of Harrington’s third-round chip-in and inspecting his equipment for any signs of non-conforming aids. The investigation could focus on whether Harrington altered the lie of his ball in the rough (a breach of Rule 8.1) or used a device providing real-time swing data, which is banned under Rule 4.3. A confirmed violation could lead to retroactive disqualification, stripping Harrington of the $800,000 prize and a 2026 U.S. Open exemption.
A Rivalry Turned Bitter
Harrington and Cink, who played together all four rounds, have a history of mutual respect. In 2019, Harrington called Cink his “ideal playing partner,” and Cink praised their “comfortable pairing” during the tournament. Their close bond made Cink’s accusation all the more shocking. Sources on X note that Cink’s frustration may stem from missed opportunities—particularly two putts inside 6 feet on holes 16 and 17 that could have tied the lead—compounded by the pressure of Harrington’s clutch play.
Cink, the 2009 British Open champion, expressed disappointment: “I hit 64 greens in regulation, more than anyone, but it’s the putts that matter. I just wanted a fair fight.” Some fans on X speculate that Cink’s comments reflect bitterness over losing a second Major title to Harrington, who also won the 2022 U.S. Senior Open.
The Field’s Reaction and Fan Divide
The accusation has split the golf community. Miguel Angel Jimenez, who shot a tournament-best 6-under 64 to finish third at -9, dismissed the claims: “We’re human, we make great shots. Paddy’s chip was brilliant, not cheating.” Mark Hensby, who tied for fourth at -5, declined to comment, saying, “Let the USGA handle it.”
On X, fans are polarized. Supporters of Harrington argue, “Cink’s just salty he choked on those putts. Paddy’s a legend, no way he’d cheat!” Others back Cink, with posts like, “If Stewart’s speaking out, there’s gotta be something to it. USGA better check the tapes.” The controversy has trended globally, with #HarringtonCheating and #CinkAccuses spiking.
What’s Next?
As the USGA investigates, the golf world awaits answers. A confirmed violation could tarnish Harrington’s legacy and award the title to Cink, while a clean ruling might damage Cink’s reputation for making unsubstantiated claims. The Broadmoor’s tricky greens, described by Justin Leonard as “on par with Augusta National,” already made this a dramatic championship, but this scandal elevates it to historic levels.
Follow live updates on usga.org or watch coverage on MyTV (SPOTV/SPOTV2) in Vietnam. Stay tuned as this explosive story unfolds at the 2025 U.S. Senior Open!
