Darren Clarke joins Northern Ireland Stars with Open Win

Darren Clark claimed the 140th British Open at Royal St. George's Golf Club in England.  Clarke's win continued a remarkable run of success for Northern Ireland golfers, as he became the third player from Northern Ireland to win Major championships inside the past 13 months.  Graeme McDowell won last year's US Open at Pebble Beach and Rory McIIroy claimed that same trophy with a record-breaking win at Congessional.

"They told me to get my finger out and try and win one myself", recalled Clarke .  Clarke's parents, Godfrey and Hettie and fiancess Alison joined in the victory celebrations.  "Its been a long journey to get here.  I'm 42 and not getting any younger.  But I've got here in the end" he said.

Clarke is a member of Royal Portush Golf Club in Northern Ireland and proudly donated his Gold Medal to the club for members and visitors to see. The medal will sit alongside fellow Ulsterman Fred Daly who won the Open in 1947.

Top 30 Scores at Sandwich:-

Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) 275 (5 under) 

Dustin Johnson (USA) 278 (2 under)

Phil Mickelson (USA) 278 (2 under)

Thomas Bjorn (Den) 279 (1 under)

Anthony Kim, Chad Campbell and Rickie Fowler (USA) 280 finished at level par

Raphael Jacqueline (FRA) 281 (1 over)

Davis Love III (USA), Sergio Garcia (SPA) Simon Dyson (GB) 282 (2 over)

Steve Stricker (USA) Lucas Glover (USA) Martin Kaymer GER) 283 (3 over)

George Coetzee (RSA) 284 (4 over)

Zach Johnson (USA) Fredrick Jacobson (SWE) Charl Schwartzel (RSA) Richard Green (AUS) Webb Simpson (USA) YE Yang (KOR) 285 (5 over)

Ander Hansen (DEN) Tom Watson (USA) Tom Lehman (USA) 286 (6 over)

Rory McIIroy (N Ire) Adam Scott MA Jimenez SPA 287 (7 over)

Charles Howell III (USA) Ryan Mooore (USA) 288 (8 over)

Jason Day (AUS) 289 (9 over)