Darren Clarke wins his first Major Championship

For the 2nd straight major, a Northern Irishman was holding the trophy.  After 22 year-old Rory McIlroy dominated at the U.S. Open, 42 year-old Darren Clarke captured the British Open for the first major of his career. Clarke’s final total of 5-under, was three shots clear of Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson came out like a man possessed early on. Phil started the day at even par, but made birdies at 2, 4, and 6 to get to minus 3. At the par 5 7th, Lefty sunk an eagle putt that put him in a tie for the lead at 5-under par. Unfortunately for Mickelson, that was the last time he would be in the lead.

Read the rest of this entry »

With the wind and rain, Rickie Fowler looked like he was ready to take a pie out of the oven. Not hit a drive.

By Joe DeJesu

Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke took advantage of his late tee off time and posted a third round 1 under par 69 to take sole possession of the lead heading into the final round of the 2011 British Open.

 18 players began the day under par and in contention for the oldest, most historic, and possibly the most prestigious championship in golf.  By day’s end, a cast of six random characters remain in the red, making the final round guaranteed entertainment for any golf fan. Dustin Johnson, a man with a knack for recent final round major drama (and not in the good way) will join Clarke in the final grouping tomorrow after posting a third round 68 (tied for low round of the day with Rickey Fowler). Thomas Bjorn, another infamous name known for the late-hole meltdown (at this course no less!) is currently two under after three rounds. As is Rickey Fowler, the young fiery American who finished the day with three birdies on the final six holes.  The 2009 U.S. Open Champ Lucas Glover follows at one under.  And last but not least, we have the 47 year old pony-tailed, cigar-smoking aerobics instructor, Miguel Angel Jiminez, who continues to play well and is one under par.

Read the rest of this entry »