Close your eyes and picture The K Club. Chances are you are remembering a moment involving Darren Clarke. Whether it was his heroic performance at the 2006 Ryder Cup, his 12 under par 60 in 1999 or perhaps his fortunate shot on the 18th hole in 2005, it’s clear the 47 year has a special affiliation with the Kildare Hotel and Golf Club.
So who better to write this week’s player blog than the Ryder Cup captain himself.
Coming back to The K Club is very special. Someone told me this is my 25th Irish Open, I can’t believe it’s been that long but it’s great to come back to mark that achievement. I’ve enjoyed some memorable moments here over the years, some of the best of my career, so it’ll be fun walking the fairways again.
I don’t actually remember too much about the 60I shot here in 1999. I remember I shot 73 in the first round and was about seven shots back. I had lots of friends and family around and on Friday, everything clicked. I got off to a decent start and then went a bit nuts at the turn. I birdied the 18th hole, which was my tenth, and then birdied the first seven holes on the front nine. It was the second time I shot 60 on The European Tour, I think I was the first to do that.
It's probably the best round of golf I've ever played
Two years later in 2001 I came back to The K Club and was determined to play well. I had started the season well and finished runner up to Monty the week before at the Irish Open, by five shots I think. I opened with two 68s and was paired with Woosie on Saturday. Neither of us played well but the weather was tough that day. I think I shot 71 to stay within three shots and managed to shoot 66 on Sunday to win by three. To this day, it’s one of the best wins of my career. Safe to say, we had a few pints of Guiness that night in the clubhouse.
I get asked a lot about that shot in 2005. It’s not a week I remember too fondly to be honest. I wasn’t playing great and on the Friday I really needed to birdie the 18th to make sure I made the cut. I had a long way in but I knew I could make the green. I hit it well but pulled it a touch and immediately I thought it was gone. I started walking towards the drop zone when I saw the ball pop up onto the green and the crowd cheering and laughing. I couldn’t help but laugh, it was a ridiculous bit of luck.
Luckiest shot ever?https://t.co/E4OZrN8qkp
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) 17 May 2016
In 2006, I’d had an ok season. I think I had four top ten finishes and finished about 40th on the money list. Woosie called me to let me know he wanted me on the team, it was an emotional conversation and it meant a lot. It was hard time in my life but it’s not every day the Ryder Cup is in your home country. To be honest, the week itself is a blur. I’ve never felt support like that before. From the first tee shot, to the final putt, I was riding a wave of emotion and passion. To play the way I did that week was incredible and I can’t thank all the fans enough for what they did that week.
I’ll never forget what Woosie and Tom Lehman said to me after it was all done on the 16th green. It was a very emotional moment and for them to put aside the competition of it all and say what they did was special. Now, this year, to have the chance to channel all that, and lead the team at Hazeltine, means so much to me. I can’t wait for September.
I think what Rory is doing this week, with his foundation and with the event is brilliant. Irish fans love him and to make that commitment to the area, the event and The European Tour shows what kind of a kid he is. I can’t believe it’s my 25th appearance at the event. I think Rory was just a year old when I played the Irish Open for the first time. Crazy what’s happened since then.
