Darren Clarke’s Open Championship celebrations went on through the night and right up to 30 minutes before an 8.30am press conference this morning at Royal St. George’s.

Clarke was looking very bleary eyed when he walked back into the Media Centre less than where he had been 12 hours earlier.

With him was his gleaming new companion – the Claret Jug.

Darren Clarke looking worst for wear after a long night and morning celebrating.

However on this occasion there was no pint of Guinness.

“I’ve looked at the trophy all night and sort of semi figured out it’s mine,” said Clarke.

“I probably won’t get any sleep until tomorrow at some stage. Have to enjoy it when you can.

“I had quite a few pints and quite a few glasses of red wine and it all continued until about 30 minutes ago.

“It’s been a very good night.”

Surprisingly, the 42-year old, who will head home to a victorious reception at Portrush, confessed that there had been no ‘black stuff’ poured into the most sought after trophy in golf.

“I’m a little bit of a traditionalist and I feel a bit funny about putting stuff in the Claret Jug that shouldn’t be in there,” he said.

“There’s nothing in it as yet. That may not be the case as the week goes by!”

“I have 294 text messages and the writing is far too small for me to look at them in this state, so I may look at them tomorrow at some stage and figure them out.”

Among the first Clarke will greet is his two sons, Tyronne and Connor, who are thrilled to pieces their father is finally a Major Champion.

In fact, the new World No. 30 had dedicated his stunning three shot Royal St. George’s success to his two sons.

“Tyrone was very pleased and very proud, and he told me he was going to tell everybody at school his dad was Open Champion,” said Clarke.

“Conor wanted to know what he could spend all the money on.

“So it was a huge difference between the two, but they were both very happy.”