News
Darren clinches first Major and dedicates it to his family
20/07/2011
DUNGANNON golfer Darren Clarke sparked celebrations on an unprecedented scale throughout Tyrone when he lifted the coveted Claret Jug after winning the 140th British Open at Sandwich, Kent on Sunday. And Darren dedicated his Open victory at Royal St George's to his children and his late wife, Heather.
The Tyrone player and former RSD student, won by three shots after shooting a level-par 70 to win his first Major title.
Afterwards he paid tribute to Heather, who died in 2006 from breast cancer, and their sons Tyrone and Conor: "There's obviously somebody watching from up there and I know she'd be very proud.
But I think she'd be more proud of my two boys," said Clarke. "It's for the kids. They played golf at Royal Portrush this morning (Sunday) and were watching on TV.
"Heather would probably be saying, 'I told you so'."
The 42-year-old becomes Northern Ireland's third Major champion in little over a year, following Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy's wins at the US Open.
It left the Dungannon-born star promising "a long and very enjoyable" night of celebration.
Also present at Royal St George's to witness Darren lift the coveted Open were his father, Godfey, mother, Hetty and fiancee, Alison Campbell.
The celebrations continued in his home town of Dungannon.
The New Clubhouse at Dungannon Golf Club was packed on Sunday afternoon to witness the local golfer as he wrote himself into the golfing history books with his magnificent victory.
Rumours were rife that the bar ran out of pint glasses within half an hour of his tremendous win and at one point anxiety levels reached fever pitch when someone accidently switched the TV channel from the Open golf to "Deal or No Deal" while trying to turn up the volume!
Maybe even that was an omen - as Darren certainly proved to be the "Real Deal" on the day.
A special homecoming will be held in Portrush, where Darren lives, today, Tuesday and he has also been invited to make a return visit to his native Dungannon with the Claret Jug.
Such scenes of jubilation have not been witnessed in Tyrone since 1985, when Coalisland snooker star Dennis Taylor beat Steve Davis at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England to lift the World title - an event also watched by millions on television.
Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 20th July 2011
|
Archive News