Clarke hands back battered Open jug

Darren Clarke admitted today as the rain hammered down at Royal Lytham that his golf game was not the only thing in need of some repair – so was the Claret Jug.

“It’s not quite in as good a condition as I received it in,” said the defending champion with a smile after handing over the trophy to Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson at the start of what is threatening to be a soggy Open Championship week.