Darren Clarke is just one shot off the lead after the opening round of the Kaulig Companies Championship – formerly known as the Senior Players Championship – at Firestone Country Club in Ohio.
The Dungannon man, fresh off a career-best T8 finish at last week’s U.S. Senior Open, fired a four-under 66 that included a birdie on his final hole – the ninth – to move into a tie for second alongside Mike Weir, one behind solo leader Jerry Kelly.
Clarke, who won the WGC-NEC Invitational on the same course in 2003, is looking for a second senior major championship after claiming the 2002 Senior Open title, and already has a PGA Tour Champions win under his belt in 2026 having successfully defending the American Family Insurance Championship.
This championship has not been particularly kind to the former world number eight since joining the senior ranks and a T12 finish in 2021 remains his best result, but it’s a venue he loves.
“Yeah, Firestone needs no introduction,” he said. “Firestone is to me, you know, as a non-American, Firestone is iconic. It is just one of the best American golf courses.
“I grew up watching everybody playing here. You know, it’s just a magnificent golf course that has stood the test of time.
“But I’m fortunate I won a WGC here and I had a good time here. I’ve always sort of enjoyed the challenge whenever I’ve come here because you know it’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be pretty tough. It’s just a brilliant golf course. If you play poorly, you’re going to get punished at Firestone, that’s the way it is.
“Certainly today got off to a very good start, four-under to start the tournament, so hopefully can keep on playing the way I have today for the next three days.”
The big names are stacking up behind, however, with Zach Johnson, Ernie Els, and Y.E. Yang – all major winners – among the six tied at -3, and Stewart Cink, winner of two senior majors already in 2026 and runner-up to Padraig Harrington at last week’s Senior U.S. Open, in red figures at -1.
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