In-form Clarke ready for pacey Hoylake links

DARREN CLARKE began his preparation for the Open Championship three weeks ago when he played a round over the Hoylake links with his manager and former European Tour professional Andrew “Chubby” Chandler.

The condition of the links has changed radically in the interim after a succession of scorching hot days that have burned it a bright yellow and have made it hard and unpredictable.

His knowledge and experience of links and outstanding recent form should stand to him as he attempts to improve on his second-place finish at Royal Troon (1997) and third at Royal Lytham St Anne’s (2001).