This year’s Open Championship will be Darren Clarke’s 25th appearance in golf’s oldest Major.
In 1997, Clarke was within a shot of the lead with 17 holes to play when he horribly shanked his tee shot at the second hole onto Troon Beach.
Clarke finished joint second and then would have to wait a further 14 years before being handed the famed Claret Jug.
This year will also be Clarke’s second Royal Troon Open and ahead of teeing-up on Thursday the current European Ryder Cup captain has singled out three holes that could prove vital over the four days.
Par 3, Eighth hole ‘The Postage Stamp’.
The famed ‘Postage Stamp’ at Royal Troon.
“When the flag is positioned any further than halfway past, and towards the back portion of the hole, it becomes brutal and even though it only measures 123-yards
“The better flag to attack is when it’s at the front but experience will tell you middle of the green is a very sensible shot.”
Par 4, 11th hole – ‘The Railway’
Royal Troon’s 11th hole – Names ‘Railway’ for obvious reasons.
“The 11th hole is another brute as you can’t see the fairway. Jack (Nicklaus) made 10 there that last time The Open was there (2004) and put a shot on the railway lines.
“There’s long rough up the right so if you’re greedy then you’re in the gorse and the same if you are too far left, so 11 is again going to be the hardest hole on the course.”
Par 3, 17th hole – ‘Rabbit’.
Royal Troon’s penultimate hole – ‘Rabbit’.
“The hole is going to be playing longer than 2004 but there you still have that upturned saucer-like green.
“You’re more than likely going to be playing into the wind and if you hanging onto the lead there come late Sunday, you’re going to be just so pleased to take par.”
