Darren Clarke lifts glittering Iberdrola Open trophy with big grin
Former Ryder Cup Vice captain, Darren Clarke, overtook the sturdy, Chris Wood, to win the Iberdrola Open in Mallorca, on Sunday May 15, to record his 13th win on the European Tour.
The veteran golfer has just returned to the course after a three month vacation in Bahamas and feels rejuvenated. He posted a 69 for the final round to win the title with an aggregate of six-under, 274.
The Northern Irishman played with distinct class and skill and reduced Wood’s overnight lead to one in just three opening holes. Wood, who was looking for his maiden win on the tour, had been leading the tournament since the second round.
He played brilliantly throughout the weekend but fell for an over Par score of 76 on the final day, giving enough room to Clarke to romp to a big win. Clarke didn’t miss a chance to make his move at the right time and place.
He shot an excellent approach on the 16th, besides churning out amazing shots for the rest of the day. He finished three shots ahead of the runners-up, Wood, and, Lynn David, of England. Clarke has not won a title on the tour since his last win
at KLM Open in 2008 and was delighted to get the monkey off his back.
“Sometimes you need to step back and look at things from a different perspective and that’s what I did in the Bahamas”, said Clarke. “It’s a bit of a monkey to get off my back after three years not winning so it’s good. At the same time I feel a lot for
Chris Wood – he’s a young guy, a great player and I’ve been in his position before. On a personal note I’m delighted to have played quite nicely today and win the tournament”.
A disappointed Wood, though, had a different perspective. “Obviously disappointed and gutted”, said Wood. “It was an extremely tough day on the course and it was a bit of a grind all the way round”.
Clarke collected his winner’s share of € 166,660 and the glittering Iberdrola Trophy with a grin on his face. The course designer and leading European Player, Jose Maria Olazabal, finished tied for fifth along with Paul Lawrie and two other contenders.
Tags: