
Darren Clarke back at Royal Portrush with high hopes for McIlroy
Clarke's description of seeing McIlroy win the Masters in April, completing his set of majors, is therefore understandable. 'I watched every shot,' Clarke says. 'I couldn't take my eyes off it. Rory winning there was almost like watching my two boys, Tyrone and Conor, win. I was that emotional.
'I have known Rory for so long, I know his talent and his journey. To get over the line and do it, in true Rory fashion keeping us on the edge of our seats until the very end … It was destiny for Rory to join that exalted company. I was very proud just watching it. If I gave a 0.0001% help in his journey then brilliant but it was more pride, knowing him as I do. It isn't often you will watch something and feel like you are watching your own two boys play.'
Clarke has never claimed any credit for McIlroy's achievements. That will not change. McKibbin and Shane Lowry also had involvement with Clarke's foundation. 'I was just trying to help,' he says. 'I don't seek publicity for it because that isn't why I do it. Half of my foundation is to support breast cancer research [his first wife, Heather, died of the disease in 2006], half is to help the development of junior golf in Ireland, so that is all close to my heart.'
The 56-year-old recalls not only that 1999 meeting but the early buzz around McIlroy. 'I am not saying this to be all 'I told you so' but you could see back then how good he was, how much potential he had,' Clarke says. 'Now, potential and turning into the player that he has become are two different things but the talent he showed even from that age was just incredible. He was gifted, totally gifted.'
All evidence suggests McIlroy has rediscovered his mojo after a brief post-Masters lull. Clarke knows the scenario; his life was hugely altered by lifting the Claret Jug in 2011. 'I'm not in any shape or form comparing what I did with Rory but when you search and go for so long trying to achieve your goals, sometimes it is hard to have a reset afterwards,' Clarke says. 'He has achieved what only five other people in the history of our game have, so it's no wonder there is a reset for him. The reception he will get at Portrush will be unbelievable.'
Darren Clarke holds the Claret Jug after winning the 2011 Open at Royal St George's in Sandwich, Kent. File picture: Ross Kinnaird/Getty
Clarke's own situation is fascinating on two fronts. He was on course to make the cut in 2019 before a nightmarish triple-bogey seven on his 36th hole. Clarke returns to the Dunluce Links, where the 9th hole has been named after him, knowing this could be his final Open. Motivation stems in part from events of six years ago.
'I was fuming,' he admits. 'All my years of experience and to do that on the last hole … I had played so nicely. It wasn't steam coming out of my ears, it was lava. The 'new me' as I get older? Bollocks to that! That irritated me a lot. It hurt me. I have never played tournaments just to make that cut but I was comfortably inside the line and to do that was beyond frustrating.'
Clarke is undecided on whether this Open will mean goodbye. He remains not only hugely competitive on the Champions Tour in the US but a prodigious worker. 'I had gone through a spell of missing the Open cut too many times in a row but last year I actually played OK without having a great weekend. This year I have been playing really nicely without putting well. So I will see, I don't know. I really haven't made my mind up. If it gets to the stage where I think I have no chance of having a semi decent week, of making the cut, then I definitely won't play.
'I love Portrush, that goes without saying. It is just a very special place for me. If this is to be my last one, there isn't a better place. I am determined to really enjoy this one. Sometimes, I have tried so hard that I haven't been able to enjoy where I am.' Clarke was a staunch advocate of the Open's return to Portrush after a 68-year hiatus. Peter Dawson, the former chief executive of the R&A, took on the case.
'I kept chirping at Peter's ear,' Clarke says. 'I think he ended up trying to avoid me at all costs. It was a bold move on his behalf to commit to bringing the Open to Portrush. It was great the last time; this one will be even better. They could easily just have come back for one but they didn't, they committed.'
Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin played a practice round together this week. Picture: Ben Brady/Inpho
Clarke encountered the Troubles. He comprehends what it means for Northern Ireland to showcase itself now on a global sporting stage. 'Bombs and shootings became part and parcel of life,' Clarke says. 'You were always wary. I think playing golf and playing in tournaments all over Ireland from a young age got me thinking there was more going on, about what was happening back home not making any sense. We have come an awful long way from that.
'That's not at all to say other places in the world haven't had bad times but you grew up in a tough time. I was fortunate my parents gave me everything to allow me to play golf, which in turn let me see what opportunity was possible back in those days.' The final words, and intriguing ones, are for McKibbin. 'I have spent a lot of time with Tom, we have the same coach,' Clarke says. 'He is the real deal. He just flushes the ball. He is eager, he wants to learn so much.' It feels sensible to take note.
- The Guardian

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Kelsey Parker shares family holiday photo and says it's ‘just what we needed' after she tragically lost baby at 9 months
KELSEY Parker has shared a photo from her family holiday and said it's 'just what we needed' after tragically losing her baby at 9 months. The podcast host's third child, 4 KELSEY Parker has shared a photo from her family holiday and said it's 'just what we needed' Credit: Instagram 4 The star tragically lost her baby at 9 months Credit: Instagram Today, The family were pictured looking out towards a harbour, with a mountain in the background, while dressed in summer attire. And Kelsey simply penned to fans: 'Exactly what we needed 💛 Thank you Fans flooded the comments to tell Kelsey it was 'nice to see her' on social media, with others sending the star love following the tragic loss of Phoenix. Read More on Kelsey Parker Since his death, she and partner Will Lindsay have taken time away to grieve privately as a family. Kelsey had Aurelia, as well as four-year-old Bodhi, with her late husband Tom Parker , who died of glioblastoma, a At the end of last month, Kelsey wrote alongside the video: "Aurelia means 'The Golden One' and that's what you are 🤍 you've been through so much my darling daughter, but you're the most precious little girl any mummy could wish for. Most read in Celebrity "I'm so happy we got to spend this weekend celebrating your birthday and turning another year older. Devastated Kelsey Parker announces tragic death of baby who was 'born sleeping' just a week before due date "I'm beyond proud of you and the amazing young woman you're growing up to be." Kelsey shared the devastating news that her son, Phoenix, was still born by posting a poem to fans, "For Phoenix. Born sleeping, forever loved." The phoenix bird symbolises immortality, resurrection and life after death. She added next to the poem: "Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt well wishes, I want to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share. "But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news. "I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space." Phoenix was her first child with boyfriend Will, whom They announced they were expecting in January. 4 Kelsey and partner Will Lindsay have taken time away to grieve privately as a family Credit: Getty 4 Tom died in 2022 Credit: Getty


The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Lucy Bronze sets England record during Euro 2025 final vs Spain with Harry Kane trailing in her wake
LUCY BRONZE broke an England record and moved further clear of Harry Kane in the Euro 2025 final. Bronze, 33, was named in the Lionesses starting XI today for the clash against Spain. 3 Lucy Bronze broke an England record in the Euros final Credit: Reuters 3 It saw her move further ahead of Harry Kane in the appearance charts Credit: Getty It meant that And it moved Bronze up to joint-fourth in the most capped players charts behind only Fara Williams, Jill Scott, Karen Carney and level with Peter Shilton, who played 125 times for READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That is the most of all-time across both the men's and women's teams. Kane is the highest man on the list with 29 matches played at World Cups and Euros. Bronze's outing against Spain is also her 16th at a Women's Euros. That sees her leapfrog ITV pundit Carney for most games played for the Lionesses at the tournament. Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 3 Aside from winning the 2022 Euros and making the 2023 World Cup final with England, Bronze has had a glittering career at club level. She has lifted the Women's Super League four times with Liverpool, Inside England Lionesses' luxury Euro 2025 hotel with butler service, stunning pool and 2 Michelin star restaurant And she has won the Champions League five times during her spells with Lyon and Barcelona.


The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Not common to witness this at 15' – Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal fans in being blown away by Max Dowman against Newcastle
MIKEL ARTETA has joined the chorus of Arsenal fans who have been left astonished by the exploits of Max Dowman. 4 Max Dowman put in an impressive display in a 30-minute cameo for Arsenal against Newcastle Credit: Getty 4 The 15-year-old lit up the pitch after being brought on by Mikel Arteta Credit: Getty 4 And his performance left fans buzzing Credit: Reuters The teenager made a mockery of established Premier League defenders during the clash in Singapore as he won the penalty - scored by He didn't just pass the eye test either, with an impressive stat line including two out of three successful dribbles, two shots on target and being the most fouled player in the whole game hammering home his potential. Speaking after the match, even Arsenal boss Arteta was unable to tone down his high-hopes for the prodigy. He said: "Yeah, it is special. Obviously what he's done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL "We are extremely happy to have him. I think again the environment that he's around in. "His family, the people at the club and around the academy as well, super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first time." Despite not turning 16 until December, Dowman will be eligible to star for the Emirates outfit's first team next season. And Arsenal fans have high hopes for the youngster's upcoming season. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Talk TV host and Sun columnist Piers Morgan said on social media: "This kid is the real deal.. 15 years old and running rings round Newcastle's first team? Nuts.. and so exciting." A second said: "Lionel Messi, I hope you enjoyed your time as the greatest footballer of all time because Max Dowman is here now." Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry A third added: "I don't think people realize how good Max Dowman is and what he could become. At 15, he looked like the best player on the pitch. This is a Another said: "Hale End producing a world beater in Max Dowman. Doing this against senior Newcastle players to win a penalty at 15?? Lost for words…" A fifth said: "Can't lie Max Dowman might be the best 15 yr old English player I have seen. The kid is a joke." 4