Clarke putts himself in shape for US Open

Darren Clarke flew off to the United States Open tonight hoping that his final round in the British Masters was a sign of things to come.

The Ryder Cup star’s 66 contained 29 putts and he beamed: “That’s the first time I’ve broken 30 all year.

“I’m due to have a run of holing some and it’s the only way you can compete at a US Open. The rough is so thick around the greens and a good chip is to six feet. You’ve got to knock those ones in – and I’m still not.”

Clarke reckoned he could easily have broken the course record with a 62, but he was happy enough to have got his tee-to-green game back in shape after starting the week with what he felt was his worst golf of the season.

An eight-under-par total was not good enough to give him a third title at the Forest of Arden course, however, and the Ulsterman has now gone a year since his last victory.

So has Justin Rose, who with Londoner Brian Davis joined Clarke on the private jet.

Rose, defending British Masters champion, finished down the field on four under, but at least his closing round was also his best of the week – a five under 67.