18th Jul 2012 | Golf
British Open Profile: Darren Clarke
Interesting to note that the defending champion also finished T3 at Lytham last time the Open was played there.
Best Odds: 150/1 (Ladbrokes)
Age: 43
World Ranking: 84
Best Result in Open: Champion - 2011
Open Record:
A hugely popular winner of the Claret Jug at his 20th attempt, at Sandwich last year. In trying conditions, the popular Northern Irishman never carded worse than 70 to storm home with a three-shot margin of victory. But many will have forgotten that Clarke also has a T3 at Lytham on his CV from back in 2001. Course knowledge and happy memories abound.
Form:
Pretty awful. The 43-year-old has struggled to cope with the burden that comes with winning the Open and fulfilling a lifetime’s ambition. Clarke sits 92nd on this season’s European Tour rankings and has rarely troubled the leaderboard. The champion says: “Now that I’ve given the Jug back for this week, maybe I’ll get back to playing the way I can play.”
Verdict:
A funny one. Based on form he should be 500/1, but based on Open pedigree he should be 50/1! It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Clarke raise his game for the defence of the title but the improvement needs to be vast to actually contend. Another serious challenge must be very unlikely.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 13:23 18th Jul, 2012 but subject to change