Upbeat Irish duo McIlroy and Clarke welcome Woods’ return

IRELAND’S four golfing musketeers arrive in Akron, Ohio today ahead of Thursday’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club and for three of them at least, the week represents some new frontiers.

For Darren Clarke, today will mark his first American press conference as a major champion. It will also be Rory McIlroy’s first appearance in the United States since his US Opentriumph in June and for Pádraig Harrington, down to 66th in the world rankings following his missed cut at the Irish Open, it will be his first tournament since revealing his split from long-time coach Bob Torrance.

Luckily for all three, and the fourth member of Ireland’s golfing elite Graeme McDowell, they will all be overshadowed by the return of former world number one Tiger Woods.