Before Darren Clarke tapped in his final putt to win the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St. George’s, he paused for a quiet moment, smiled at the realisation that his 20-year quest was finally complete, and said a few words to himself.

Patrick Harrington, the 14-year-old son of three-time major winner Pádraig Harrington, says he doesn’t get asked about his famous father too much, but when he does, the first question usually is an inquiry about his handicap.