Darren Clarke wins the Open Championship

Darren Clarke has won the 140th Open Championship by three shots at Royal St George’s.

The 42-year-old carded a final round of 70 for a -5 total to complete what turned out to be a comfortable victory and continue a fantastic run for Northern Ireland, which has seen the country claim three of the last six Major tournaments.

His final round started in fine style with a birdie at the 2nd and, despite dropping a shot on the 4th, his second eagle of the week at the 7th set him on his way to victory.

A run of nine pars followed which meant bogeys at 17 and 18 didn’t really matter and couldn’t prevent him claiming the Claret Jug at his 20th attempt.

“I feel pretty amazing right now to tell you the truth,” Clarke said with a beaming smile on his face.

“You know, it’s been a dream since I was a kid to win The Open, like any kid’s dream is, and I’m able to do it now, which just feels incredible.”

The champion had special praise for the spectators: “They were sensational for me all week. The support they have given me through the bad weather as well as the goof weather; they were all out there roaring and shouting. It was just brilliant to have that amount of support.”

It had not looked such a certainty earlier in the day as Phil Mickelson made a fantastic charge and tied Clarke for the lead through seven holes – turning in just 30 strokes.

Lefty made birdies at the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 10th and an eagle at the 7th to reach -6, but his putter cooled down and a missed tap in for par on the 11th took the wind out of his sails. He made three further bogeys to record a closing 68, for a -2 total and share of second place.

Dustin Johnson tied Mickelson for second, but his challege was effectively ended when he hit his second shot out of bounds on the way to a double bogey seven at the 14th.

First round co-leader Thomas Bjorn shot a 71 to finish in fourth place, but it was a disappointing day for Miguel Angel Jimenez who recorded a 78 to plummet into a tie for 25th.

Twenty-year-old Tom Lewis claimed the silver medal for leading amateur after co-leading after the first day. He added rounds of 74, 76 and 74 to his opening 65 to beat American Peter Uihlein by three strokes.

Despite not winning for the sixth successive Major, it was a strong showing by America as they finished with eight players in the top 14.

However, it was a largely disappointing showing from the English contingent. But credit must go to leading Englishman Simon Dyson, who compiled rounds of 68, 72, 72 and 70 for a share of ninth place.