Padraig Harrington boosts impressive €34million net worth with new bumper six-figure payday

While Rory McIlroy has continually insisted he'll never participate in the PGA Champions Tour, his former Ryder Cup colleague Padraig Harrington recently won a €682,000 prize from the senior circuit.

This has bolstered his estimated €34million net worth, accumulated through tournament earnings, endorsements, and investments over the course of an illustrious, trophy-laden golf career.

The 53-year-old Irishman recently claimed his second U.S. Senior Open title in four years at Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, and has been excelling on the PGA's over-50 tour. This season, he's earned roughly €1.2m in nine tournaments, including a €225,000 payout for second place at the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club in May.

His wealth, built primarily from three major championship wins and sponsorships with brands like Wilson Golf and FootJoy, underscores his financial success.

McIlroy remains the second-richest golfer ever, and insists he isn't planning to join the Champions Circuit when he becomes eligible to. "Absolutely not," the 36-year-old once said.

"I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back... but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete in golf at 50."

Harrington, in contrast, might challenge that view, having just earned €682k and citing his course familiarity and mental resilience as key to his victory.

"Here I'm comfortable," the veteran Irishman admitted. "I'm not thinking I'm going to miss the cut. Touch wood that doesn't happen. If you brought me to a regular event on Thursday afternoon, I'd be thinking about the cut line. Whereas here I'm thinking, how do I get myself into position?"

He added: "Even the first couple of days, I got going and could have pulled away from the field. I dropped back a couple of shots, but I was still going. All I want is to be in it with nine holes to go and in the right headspace."

This win adds another milestone to Harrington's Champions Tour career, which began in 2022 with Rookie of the Year recognition. His 2022 U.S. Senior Open victory demonstrated his lasting prowess, and this latest success cements his ability to compete at the top, with six top-three finishes in his last sixteen major Champions Tour events.

McIlroy and Harrington teamed up for Team Europe at the 2010 Ryder Cup, where McIlroy drove Europe to victory, and Harrington made his sixth straight appearance. While Harrington thrives in the over-50 golf world, McIlroy's stance is unlikely to change.

Though McIlroy hasn't set a firm retirement date, the career Grand Slam winner has voiced his intent to retire with energy "left in the tank". He also wants to exit golf on his own terms, not forced out by chronic injuries.

McIlroy's TGL Golf partner, Tiger Woods - who turns 50 in December - is contemplating a move to the Champions Tour.