Darren Clarke wins The Open Championship
All Darren Clarke had to do in the end was remain at par in the final round of The Open Championship on Sunday, to win the championship. The Northern Irishman compiled an aggregate of five-under-par to take a three-stroke lead over American Phil Mickelson
and Dustin Johnson.
The 42-year-old Clarke teed off from the front, much like the rest of the field, and reeled one birdie and one eagle against a bogey to step into the back with a score of two-under-par. The start was brilliant, but the Ulsterman could not play with the same
level of consistency, later in the day. He left the closing seven holes at par and wrapped the back nine with two consecutive bogeys, which eventually left him standing at par.
Clarke, who is competing at the Open Championship for the 20th time, walked to the winner’s podium in the sound of applause to lift the Claret Jug with his name engraved on it. The fun-loving veteran held the Claret Jug in his hands and addressed
fans and players present at the Royal St George’s, after his triumph.
“I've tried to do this speech for 20 years . . . there might be a lot of Irish black stuff (Guinness ale) in this trophy this evening. It has not sunk in yet. I am just an ordinary guy. I have so many people to thank in my career. To win it at 42 is great,”
said a very modest looking Clarke.
The Northern Irishman, who has worked as a bartender and was also a rugby player, thanked the crowd for their support and toasted the win to his late wife, who passed away due to breast cancer five years ago.
When asked to comment on his final nine holes, the veteran said that he was extremely nervous and down, as the ball was not falling on the targets he had assessed. However, he held onto his game and did not stop playing until the last hole, where his final
shot missed the cup and he had to sign for the second bogey.
Clarke is the third Northern Irishman to win a major in the last six events. The circle of victories was initiated by Graeme McDowell, who won the US Open in 2010 and it was later followed by Rory McIlroy.
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