KILLARNEY, Ireland (AP) — Establishing Ireland as the current focal point of golf, newly crowned British Open winner Darren Clarke, U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy and two other local major winners descend on Killarney for the rejuvenated Irish Open.
Clarke’s three-shot victory at Royal St George’s sealed Northern Ireland’s third major in 13 months after Graeme McDowell and McIlroy’s triumphs in successive U.S. Opens. That followed three wins in grand slam events between 2007-08 for Padraig Harrington of Ireland.
Clarke is aiming to become only the third player to hold both British and Irish Open titles, after Nick Faldo of England and Harrington, who also is competing this week.
