Darren Clarke back at Royal Portrush with high hopes for McIlroy – and himself | ‘Proud’ Da…

Explore the latest developments concerning Darren Clarke back.

Darren Clarke back at Royal Portrush with high hopes for McIlroy – and himself

The 2011 Open winner practised on Tuesday with the Masters champion and Tom McKibbin, and is keen for all three to make their mark

The 7am tee-time practice trio on Tuesday at Royal Portrush: Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin. The galleries grew and grew. The venue for the Open this week was the site of a starstruck McIlroy meeting Clarke on his 10th birthday in 1999. Clarke’s foundation played a key role in the early development of McIlroy. McKibbin, as a 13-year-old playing at McIlroy’s home club in Holywood, was invited by him to play in the Irish Open’s pro-am in 2016. The connections are as uplifting as they are strong.

‘Proud’ Darren Clarke says Rory McIlroy will receive ‘unbelievable’ reception at Royal Portrush

Former Open champion and Ryder Cup star, Darren Clarke, says he’s as proud of what Rory McIlroy has achieved in golf as if one of his sons had done the same.

The pair first met on Rory’s 10th birthday in 1999, Clarke very much an established name at the time and McIlroy starstruck. Since then, that young Northern Irishman has gone on to eclipse his role model, in terms of on course achievements and completed the Grand Slam of golf with his US Masters victory in April.

“I watched every shot,” Clarke told the Guardian. “I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Rory winning there was almost like watching my two boys, Tyrone and Conor, win. I was that emotional.

Open Championship: Rory McIlroy getting 'even better' with age says Darren Clarke

Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke have each won the Open Championship on one occasion

Former champion Darren Clarke is predicting a "really, really strong" showing from Rory McIlroy at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

The world number two missed the cut at the same venue in 2019 but has continued to rack up wins in the years since, most notably completing the career Grand Slam with victory at the Masters in April.

The triumph in a play-off at Augusta ended an almost 11-year wait for McIlroy's fifth major with the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland having endured some heartbreaking near misses through the period.

For more detailed information and comprehensive insights, explore recent updates concerning Darren Clarke back.

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