It began early in the morning with Darren Clarke, the 42-year veteran from Northern Ireland, fending off challenges from talented Americans Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson and battling wind and rain to capture the first major of his career, his beloved British Open.

FORBES: British Open, Women's World Cup Make For A Day To Remember For ESPN

Mickelson finished joint runner-up to Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland at Sandwich last year and is still looking to lift the Claret Jug for the first time, having played the British Open every year since 1991.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke finished nine over after bowing out with a one-under 69.

BBC: Westwood laments missed chances

Darren Clarke was not the only Northern Ireland player in the frame with fellow countryman Damien Mooney match his two-under 70 and 16-year-old Co Down star Rory McIlroy joining Montgomerie in 13th place with an impeccable round of 71.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Dougherty shines as Khan is fined