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).

Said Clarke: “My knowledge of this place is very limited, I played the European pro-celebrity in 1992 and was up here a few weeks ago.

“I had to give Chubby something like 12 shots and he says he beat me 4 and 3 but he certainly didn’t get any money! It was nothing near as fast as it is now. I’m not averse to these conditions. I’ve played a fair share of fast golf courses back at home in the summer.

“I’ve got a few Sunday itches where obviously I’m getting myself into position but I’m just not able to finish it off, which is very frustrating.

“On Sunday at Loch Lomond, I actually played well but I couldn’t buy a putt. I played almost as well as I did on Thursday and Friday and all things considered, my game is actually pretty good. I am competitive again having got a few tournaments under my belt, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Another Ulsterman, Graeme McDowell, has fallen out of the top 100 world rankings and needs a big week if he is to improve the situation.

He is in a very positive frame of mind.

“I’m very close to making the breakthrough,” he declared. “This week, being the type of golf course it is, you’ve got a lot of shot making to do. You’ve got to shape your shots and control your ball. I’ve been falling back into my natural links golf.

“There are certain shots you’re going to need this week that came back to me pretty quickly. I enjoy the creativity of links golf.

“You can be chipping with anything, from lob wedge to three-wood. You’ve got to think your way around, and I like the way it sets up. I haven’t played a golf course as firm as this for years, but I think those type of experiences will stand me well. There are shots I’ve been playing all my life that I’ll need this week. This is links golf at its rawest.

“I’ve been pretty good not putting too much pressure on myself, and in believing that I’ve got the game.”

Hailing as he does from Portrush, a town so proud of Fred Daly, Ireland’s only Open champion and where Clarke has played much of his links golf, McDowell is as anxious as anybody that Clarke should have another big Open Championship.

“I think everyone would love to see him win an Open,” said McDowell. He’s a great player, playing some great golf at the minute but not quite getting across the finishing line.

“There is no doubt what he is going through is affecting that. He is a hell of a great player. To win a golf tournament you’ve got to play for four rounds. I’m sure it is very, very difficult for him to keep playing well.

“He’s thinking of his wife and wants to be home with her.”