Final Shot with Darren Clarke

Europe's Ryder Cup captain, who memorably won The Open in 2011 at Royal St George's, talks to Alex Jenkins about his own form, the EurAsia Cup and the state of modern technology and its effects on the game.

"I just want to play. I love the game."

It’s been a while since you have played like you can really play. What’s going on with that?

I wish I knew. I’ve been tinkering with my swing too much. Recently, I was getting too much “ahead” of the ball through impact, the club too much “underneath.” I was using too much hand action and hitting what I call “climbers,” shots with no penetration. I couldn’t have won The Open with that ball flight. Towards the end of last year I fixed that and I’ve hit the ball really well since. Now I just have to turn that into better scores. 

So what’s keeping you going?

I just want to play. I love the game. Plus, what else am I going to do? As difficult and tough as it is, the game has been great to me and I want to keep playing.

What ambitions do you still have?

I want to win. Anywhere. Then take it from there.

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Photography by AFP

Click here to see the published article.

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