Rónán MacNamara in Royal Troon
2011 Open champion Darren Clarke is weighing up whether next year’s Open Championship in Royal Portrush will be his last.
The 55-year-old made the cut this week in Royal Troon for the first time since a T30 finish here in 2016. Time is very much against Clarke in his major career with his Open exemption set to expire when he reaches the age of 60.
Saying goodbye to the Open Championship at his home course next year would be a fitting farewell for Clarke.
“Royal Portrush as we all know is very special all the guys all loved it the last time it was there,” said the Dungannon man. “I think the golf course will present a very fair challenge like it did the last time. Coincidence that we have our winner at the top here this week in Shane and I think Rory will be looking to do a bit better back in Portrush.
“It’s just brilliant to be having the Open back in Portrush again.
“I’ve been thinking about if for a while now, I’m 55 now, will be 56 next year in Portrush and it may be my last one and thank you very much that’s enough for me and give some kid the opportunity I had when I was younger. We shall see but I certainly am looking forward to getting back there all being well.”
It was an Ulster championship pairing on the final day in Troon with Clarke clipping alongside 21-year-old Holywood man Tom McKibbin who may well be one of the favourites heading to Portrush in twelve months time if he can secure his PGA Tour card for next season and make the necessary tweaks to his game to sustain a challenge on a links golf course.
“I think that was sort of the first Open that I’d watched on TV,” said McKibbin of Clarke’s Claret Jug victory in Royal St George’s.
“A little bit of memories but not too many. But I definitely know that’s the first one that I ever watched on TV was his one.”
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