On This Day in 2011 – Darren Clarke wins Open Championship at age of 42

Darren Clarke became the oldest Open champion since 1967 on this day in 2011 when he won by three shots at Royal St George’s at the age of 42.

The Northern Irishman shot an even-par 70 on the final day in Sandwich to hold off the challenges of American duo Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, who had both produced strong showings on their front nine.

Clarke kept his cool to finish on five under par at the Kent course and clinch a first-ever major victory, having held the lead since the second day.

Success at the Iberdrola Open two months earlier, his first European Tour win in three years, had raised hopes of a good showing from the Portrush resident.

A solid opening-round 68 saw Clarke well placed in a tie of sixth before another two-under score saw him earn a share of the lead at the end of day two.

With England’s Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, the world number one and two at the time, missing the cut along with countryman Graeme McDowell, the veteran was able to move to the top of the leaderboard with a score of 69 by the close of the third day.

And an even-par 70 was enough to earn Clarke a maiden major win with rivals Mickelson and Johnson unable to sustain their fast starts on the back nine.

Darren Clarke moments after winning the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George's