Clarke Ends More Than 9-Year Winless Wait To Capture Timber Tech Title

5 years ago by Comments Off on Clarke Ends More Than 9-Year Winless Wait To Capture Timber Tech Title

Darren Clarke is celebrating in ending a more than nine-year winless wait in capturing a nail-biting first Champions Tour title with victory in the Timber Tech Classic at Boca Raton in Florida.

Clarke, 52, birdied the last in a round of a four-under 68 for a 17-under three round tally to win by a shot from prolific-winning legendary Bernhard Langer.

In holing out, Clarke pumped his right arm around half-a-dozen times in delight before picking the ball out of the cup.

“It’s just amazing to win again because it’s been a grind, it’s been hard work and these guys are good, real good” said Clarke.

“So, to actually get it done feels great.    My attitude was great today and that was helped as I had a couple of messages last night from Dr. Bob Rotella, who I had been working with for a very long time and he just said to hang in there, keep going and just accept what comes out.

“Sometimes you can push, push too hard and today I was just patient and waited for everything to happen.”

The Dungannon golfer had last tasted success in capturing the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St. George’s.

Clarke turned 50 early in August, 2018 but in his prior 39 events he managed a second and three other top-10s.  His 23rd pro career victory earned him a first prize cheque for Euro 219,000.

Langer had been leading with five holes to play but fell one back of Clarke with bogeys at 15 and 17th, and where the 63-year old German’s putt lipped-out and with Langer showing his disgust by dropping his long-handled putter.

Langer then birdied the last in a score of 67 to again tie Clarke before the Ulster golfer won the title with a virtual tap-in birdie at the 54th hole.

Waiting to congratulate Clarke was fellow over-50 stars and final round playing partners Jim Furyk and Robert Karlsson.

Clarke then was greeted by wife, Allison and with duo driving off in a cart and Clarke laughing as he looked over to the camera and saying:  “Beer time, beer-o-clock!”

 



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