Former champion Darren Clarke enjoyed a dream start to his home Open after taking an unexpected early lead on day one of the 148th championship. The 2011 winner, given the honour of hitting the opening tee shot at 6.35am at Royal Portrush, relived former glories in front of an adoring crowd with three birdies in his opening six holes. With early morning sunshine piercing the cloudy skies, Clarke was welcomed on the first tee to huge cheers. Is there a pot of gold for the winner at Royal Portrush? An hour into his round the first of the rain arrived to increase the difficulty level at Royal Portrush, hosting its first Open since 1951.

Source: Irish Examiner July 18, 2019 07:18 UTC