NORTHERN IRELAND’S latest major champion has been hailed as a “deserving and popular” winner as he basks in victory at the weekend’s Open.
Tributes to Darren Clarke were delivered by politicians of all hues, with the calls also increasing for a future Open to be played at the golfer’s base of Royal Portrush.
It follows his three-shot triumph at Royal St George’s, the first major of his career and the third in just over a year for golfers from Northern Ireland, after Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy.
The tributes were led by First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
“Darren’s win is one of golf’s greatest achievements,” Mr Robinson said. “There is simply no more deserving or popular a winner than Darren. Scotland may be the spiritual home of golf but Northern Ireland is unquestionably home to the world’s best golfers.”
Mr McGuinness said the recent victories for local golfers were “staggering”. “Only a few weeks ago we were congratulating Rory McIlroy on winning the US Open and now we are able to congratulate Darren.
“I cannot think of anyone who deserved to win a major more than Darren has. Over the course of his career, he has conducted himself with a grace and quiet determination that is nothing short of outstanding.”
Although the new champion arrived home yesterday, his official homecoming will be held today at the Royal Portrush Golf Club at noon. He will be accompanied by his parents Godfrey and Hetty, as well as fiancee Alison, all of whom were at the Open to see his victory.
“I am so delighted for Darren, he has worked so hard all these years and this is the pinnacle,” his mother said. “We have been here 20 years with Darren, following him at every Open and it just couldn’t get any better than this. Everybody knew he had the talent, it was just for him to believe he had the talent and it came through this week.”
Minister for Tourism Arlene Foster used the victory to illustrate the North’s golfing traditions.
“It has once again put Northern Ireland firmly in the centre of the media spotlight for all the right reasons. Darren has talked about how playing at Royal Portrush has been the perfect preparation for links golf at the very top level and he is right.
“Our golf courses are among the best in the world and our three major winners have proven Northern Ireland is the top golfing destination,” Ms Foster added. “I am determined that we will continue to showcase our golf tourism offering all over the world, because we have so much to be proud of.”