Nicholas inspired by Clarke’s success

DARREN CLARKE’S stirring British Open success can act as an inspiration to European golf’s top ladies when they face a seemingly invincible American side at Killeen Castle next month.

Solheim Cup captain Alison Nicholas wants her team to take a leaf out of Clarke’s book when they take on the might of a US outfit chasing a fourth straight win in the female equivalent of the Ryder Cup.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed Meath course hosts most of the top players from both continents for this year’s Ladies Irish Open, which begins on Friday at a time when Irish golf has never been more successful in the male ranks.