Golf US news: Darren Clarke slipped back after another day of mixed fortunes at the MCI Heritage at the Harbour Town Golf Links Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, yesterday.

Three birdies at the second, sixth and 16th were more than cancelled out by bogeys at the third and 18th and a double bogey at the 14th in a final round of one over par 72.

Clarke finished on four under par 280 after rounds of 71, 66, 71 and 72. Ted Purdy was at 14 under par after 14 holes with Stewart Cink in the clubhouse at 10 under.

Meanwhile, Des Smyth set the clubhouse target of six under par after an excellent final round of 64 in the Champions Tour, Blue Angels Classic, at The Moors GC Milton, Florida.

Smyth started the day at even par after opening rounds of 69 and 71 for a tie for 39th place.

However, after a steady opening which produced just one birdie in an outward one under par 34, the Co Louth man hit the birdie trail on the back nine. He birdied the 10th, eagled the par five 12th to go four under the card and birdies at the 13th and 16th brought him home in 30 and a tie for third place. On the course the leader, Tom Jenkins, was 10 under par through nine holes.

Mark McNulty finished on level par 210 after a final round of 70 while Eamonn Darcy was well down the field on four over par 214.