Why ‘Longest Pee Ever’ Nearly Derailed Padraig Harrington

Padraig Harrington is never one to mince words in interviews, but on Saturday after the third round of the Senior PGA Championship, the Irishman might have been a bit too candid when explaining the hilarious context behind his double bogey on the 16th hole. 

Harrington, 51, was cruising with a significant lead after carding five birdies in his first 15 holes. But he had some trouble on the par-4 16th, where his approach found the penalty area, leading to an uncharacteristic double bogey. 

Harrington hadn’t made even a bogey so far in the tournament, with opening rounds of 64 and 68. 

It became clear, however, from Harrington’s post-round interview, that some technical difficulties with the course’s porta potties were to blame for the mid-round gaffe.

“Sixteen came out of nowhere. So, essentially, I went in the toilet. The door was locked. Took me a few minutes to realize there wasn’t somebody in there, another while to get the door open,” Harrington said. “As we are on the Champions Tour, I had the longest pee ever. And then I kind of rushed down the fairway and hit my shot.” 

At least Harrington had a valid excuse for the poor series of shots—and an original excuse at that. 

“So, when you get over 50, it sometimes takes a long time to have a pee. That’s my excuse. That’s got to be original, I would assume,” Harrington added. 

Despite the unfortunate double bogey at 16, Harrington still holds a one-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round. He’ll be paired with Steve Stricker, who sits one shot back at 15 under par.