GOLF: PHILIP REIDhears how Pádraig Harrington's feats helped spur Darren Clarke to Major success

DARREN CLARKE’S diary has become quite a bit fuller since his win in the British Open, just less than a fortnight ago. For starters, Akron and Atlanta – in the coming weeks – weren’t destinations in the schedule before he lifted the Claret Jug. But the Irish Open? The 42-year-old Ulsterman was always going to be at this one, it’s just his presence here has more spice since joining that exclusive club of Major champions.

Yesterday, prior to his pro-am, Clarke and US Open champion Rory McIlroy were presented with honorary life membership of the PGA European Tour in recognition of their new status.

“It is a privilege to honour Rory and Darren with the highest award our tour can bestow,” said George O’Grady, the chief executive. Among the on-lookers on the first tee at the ceremony was Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Now, it gets really serious again for Clarke. And, in preparing to get back to the day job, golf’s newest champion has already touched base with sports psychologists Bob Rotella and Mike Finnegan.

Asked if there was a temptation to ease back for the rest of the year, Clarke responded: “There definitely is that temptation. I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve done nearly everything there is to do in the game. I’ve won a Major, albeit I’d like to win more if possible. I’ve played Ryder Cup. I’ve won big tournaments around the world, America, everywhere. I need to reassess and sit down and figure out some goals, trying to work towards something else now.”

One box which Clarke hasn’t yet ticked, of course, is to win an Irish Open. His closest call came when joint second to Colin Montgomerie at Fota Island in 2001. “It would be wonderful to do the double. Usually my tee-times in the past have always been late on a Friday, just about making the cut and first off on a Saturday. Hopefully I can play a little bit better this year and give myself a chance,” said Clarke, who starts out today with a blank sheet on adding to an already hugely-impressive golfing curriculum vitae.

So often the trendsetter in Irish golf, Clarke was the one who had to wait in turn before his time came to win a Major as he followed Pádraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and McIlroy.

As Harrington recalled of the times when they crossed swords in their amateur days, “I was a bit in awe of Darren. He had such a reputation, I suppose, and a manner that it was destined for him to win. He was two steps better than the rest of the players and certainly four steps ahead of me.”

Now, Clarke acknowledges Harrington was the spur for others to follow his trail in the Majors. Asked if he could put his finger on this Irish domination, Clarke responded: “I think it’s just sheer determination. I think it’s an Irish trait, and Pádraig is the embodiment of that.

“Determination and practice and hard work. Pádraig does that probably more than anyone and G-Mac works hard and Rory is blessed with a different kind of talent than all of us. It’s just that, a hard work ethic at your chosen sport and that’s what we’ve done.”

He expanded: “When I first turned pro, the likes of Des Smyth and Eamonn Darcy and Christy Junior, they all looked out for me, as well as Chubby Chandler’s other guys in the stable.

“The Irish almost close ranks around each other and make sure each guy is okay when they come out on tour, all pulling for each other.”