Darren Clarke 2011 Open Champion
Darren Clarke’s capture of the 2011 British Open on a wind swept Royal St Georges provided the remarkable come-back story for one of the world’s most popular golfers.
Three months earlier, in Agadir Morocco, forgotten man Clarke limped home from a final round 81 whilst the world’s elite players prepared for the following week’s US Masters at Augusta.
Mark O'Meara 1998 Open Champ
The journey from also ran to Champion Golfer is not often told – especially for those on the long side of 40. Mark O’Meara did win his first major (The Masters in 1998 aged 41)– following in the slipstream of his younger friend and travel companion Tiger Woods. O’Meara however was a perennial contender in stark contrast to Clarke who has failed to finish in the Top 10 of a major for the past 10 years.
The Clarke come-back story does appear to follow along the same lines as O’Meara – in that Clarke’s good friends and younger compatriots GMac and Wee Mac (Rory) have both won majors in the past season. But for Clarke, that’s just the beginning of the team effort that contributed to his Open victory.
GMac WeeMac & DC
In Clarke’s corner throughout his career is long term manager and friend, Chubby Chandler – also manager to current Masters Champ Schwartzal and US Open Champ Rory. In racing terms Chubby’s horses are certainly in good form! Chubby was instrumental in suggesting a 3-week break for Clarke after Morocco (above), which culminated in Clarke returning to form to win the Mallorca Open on his immeadiate return.
Alison and Chubby
DC also of course has been helped back to form following the flourishing relationship with his now fiancé, Alison Campbell. Former Miss Northern Ireland (1982), Alison has provided a perfect inspiration for Clarke. Being 7 years older – but looking 10 younger must in itself serve as a daily reminder to Darren that there’s still lots to play for – even for a 40 something!
DC & Tiger
Team Clarke for The Open this year also included notable sports psychologists Michael Finnigan, Bob Rotella, and swing coach Peter Cowen. On the sidelines, support included extended texts from Tiger Woods and even runner-up Phil Mickleson proclaimed his long time appreciation for Clarke following Amy Mickleson’s cancer scare in 2009, and the support offered by Clarke at that time.
DC’s Army of course also includes at its centre, his 2 sons Conor and Tyrone and his parents Godfrey and Hetty. As a guy who readily admits he likes going to the pub, Clarke took time out from celebrating at Sandwich to phone through to his local bar at home to stand everyone there a celebratory drink – repeating the gesture that he made to the all aboard the flight from Mallorca to London following his European Tour victory in May.
2011 Open Champ
Clarke played solidly for the first 2 days at the Open, and steadied the ship for his final 36 holes as challengers wilted.
It wasn’t done with the intimidating and fearsome style of old, but instead an engaging Clarke was seeing chatting to anyone that would listen, marshalling crowds to respect other players, smiling, laughing and leaning on his Team all the way to the finishing line. The golfing community salutes Team Clarke, and looks forward to raising a glass or two to salute this year’s Open Champion!
