Open 2013: Will Darren Clarke’s form come good in time for Muirfield?

In 2011, Northern Irish veteran Darren Clarke, who had a good if slightly unfulfilling career, got his biggest win ever, so is he coming back to form just at the right time?

He won the Open against many fans, players and pundits’ expectations, drawing on all his experience and talent to make sure that the famous Claret Jug would have his name engraved onto it after completing 72 holes.

Having previously won a handful of European Tour and World Golf Championship events, not to mention winning the Ryder Cup with Europe, Clarke’s career was pretty good before his Open triumph. However, since he sealed his maiden major title victory, Clarke’s fortunes on the course haven’t been too great.

One last hurrah?

His best finish since winning the Open nearly two years ago was at the Australian PGA Championship, where he finished in joint-eighth place late last year. Since then, Clarke has had more than his fair share of injuries, which have hampered his attempts to come back into some form in time for this year’s Open tournament at Muirfield.

Clarke was forced to sit out the Masters at Augusta with a hamstring injury he picked up while on holiday. To miss the first major of the year might have been a huge blow to his confidence, although he’s returning from injury, possibly trying to time his run rightly for the 2013 Open. He’s only played four events this year though, so rustiness might be an issue.

Easing back into it?

In his most recent event, the Indonesian Open, Clarke made the cut but finished 18 shots behind the eventual tournament winner Bernd Wiesberger. If he is to win his second Open title, he will have to improve, especially when all the world’s best players will be competing. Should Clarke get form back, he will have to enter more events before the big one in July.

Clarke seems to be entering the twilight of his career, although many people believed he was when he won the Open. Well into his 40’s, he’s accomplished a lot, but will want to try and get as much glory as possible from what’s left of his time at the top of the professional game. Playing more and trying to shake off any niggling injuries could prove helpful to him.

Meeting the man

Darren Clarke is one of the most popular people in golf. His tireless efforts on the course, coupled with his exploits in the Ryder Cup have helped to make him a fan favourite. If you’re a fan of Clarke, you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s an opportunity to meet and play with the man himself.

Before a ball is struck in anger at the Open, Your Golf Travel are running a competition at the moment which is giving four lucky golfers the chance to play a round with Darren Clarke before he tees off at Murifield. Clarke is an ambassador for the brand, and had this to say about the competition:

“Royal Portrush is not only one of my favourite courses in the world but also my home club. It is a fantastic test of golf and I’m looking forward to a great day.”