42-Year Old Darren Clarke hangs on for First Major; Americans Struggle Down the Stretch

As the third Major of year began on Thursday, no one expected 42-year old Darren Clarke to be in contention as the final day began.  Rory McIlroy was the main topic among the media as he was trying to win back-to-back Major Championships in the same calendar year.  After two straight days with the lead, Clarke was a true contender with 18 holes remaining and McIlroy was nowhere to be seen.  Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson began the day in contention and were playing well.  Mickelson started the day at 6-under through the first 10 and Johnson was -1 through 13.  The two began to falter as Clarke continued to cruise.  Mickelson would finish his last 8 holes at 4-over and Johnson would finish his final 5 holes at 3-over for a tie for second between the two American stars.  Clark finished the day at even par and 5-under for the tournament for his first Major Championship win.  He becomes the third Northern Irishmen to win a Major in the last two years.  Before Rory McIlroy and his childhood hero, Darren Clarke, won back-to-back Majors this season, Scotland was the last European country to have back-to-back Major Champions in 1910.