Darren Clarke pays tribute to iconic Arnold Palmer

Ryder Cup week got off to a sombre start as the European team led by Darren Clarke arrived in Minneapolis to join an American golf community mourning the passing of the great Arnold Palmer.

Speaking on his arrival at Hazeltine National last night, Clarke said the passing of The King on Sunday night at the age of 87 had “cast a shadow” over the 41st Ryder Cup, which starts on Friday, while PGA of America chief Derek Sprague said tributes would be paid to the highest points scorer in the event’s history both at Thursday night’s opening ceremony and by the players on the first tee on the first morning.

“Mr Palmer did so much for golf, he transcended the game of golf and we have so much respect for him and are as shocked by the news as everyone else is,” Clarke said last night. “It has cast a shadow over the week but we will be ready for battle on Friday morning and giving everything we’ve got.”