Clarke: It’s going to be very, very tough

AFTER six top-20 finishes in 19 attempts, Darren Clarke knows his way around British Open courses better than most. So when the Irishman predicts a tough week at Royal St George’s his fellow contenders better listen.

Clarke, the 1997 runner-up, completed preparations for a 20th British Open challenge yesterday with an early morning practice round alongside three reigning major champions, this week’s favourite and US Open sensation Rory McIlroy, defending champ Louis Oosthuizen and Masters winner Charl Schwartzel.

Winners all but their experience of 13 British Opens combined does not come close to the elder statesman’s total. Clarke is expecting course and conditions alike to sort the wheat from the chaff.