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.

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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.

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

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