Old man Clarke and his Spanish union

DARREN CLARKE insisted before this week that he had no problem at being one of the father figures in a relatively youthful European side.

And he was as good as his word at Oakland Hills yesterday when he got off to a “flier” in his fourball partnership with Miguel-Angel Jimenez and they duly romped to a 5 and 4 victory over Davis Love III and Chad Campbell. The two men make a fascinating partnership. In appearance, they are sharply contrasting, Clarke a towering, handsome blond from Dungannon, Jimenez, a gruff, moustachioed, ponytailed former caddy from Malaga.

Put them on a golf course together and they find a lot in common. On the surface is their well chronicled love for good cigars and even better wine. Underneath there burns a deep competitive spirit which is never more apparent than in Ryder Cup combat.