Darren Clarke, who threw away a chance to win the event on the 72nd hole last year, had a terrible opening day of the Verizon Heritage at Hilton Head Island yesterday, closing at five over par.

TWO Irishmen watched Greg Owen’s misery at Bay Hill on Sunday from the closest possible quarters.

Darren Clarke’s double-bogey on the par-four 18th hole allowed Peter Lonard to capture the MCI Heritage in South Carolina – the Australian’s first career victory on the PGA Tour.

DARREN CLARKE had to settle for a share of second place after another disappointing round at the MCI Heritage in South Carolina.

Irish golfers Pádraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell have made the cut, but remain well off the pace after the second round of the Honda Classic in Florida.

Australian Rod Pampling is the surpise winner of The International golf tournament at the Castle Pines Golf Club with a score of 31.

Rodney Pampling set the pace at the International with a seven-under-par 65 worth 15 points in the modified Stableford format at Castle Pines in Colorado.

Lee Westwood has chosen to be “reclusive” in the build-up to this week’s British Open championship at Royal Troon. But that is bound to change once the event starts.

US PGA leaderboard

US PGA Leaderboard

Trinidadian Stephen Ames continued his sizzling play in the California desert with an eight-under-par 64 at La Quinta to grab a share of the lead with Tim Herron after the third round of the Bob Hope Classic.

First-round scores from the Disney Golf Classic, Disney Magnolia and Disney Palm Course, Lake Buena Vista, Florida (par 72, US unless stated)