Clarke falls yet again at the final hurdle

[IrishGolfer]

Man, this dude is really starting to piss me off. Bogies at 16 and 18 and he slips from leading the thing by two to losing by 2.

I really like and admire Clarke. But this guy has a problem with winning. To play in your own National Tournament and lose down the stretch must be painful. But to trip at the final hurdles, is that just a choke?

Fair play to Bjorn. Fine finish, birdie, birdie. Great way to win, but boy was the door opened with a bogey, par, bogey finish from the Big Man from Tyrone.

Well, he doen't need me to rub it in. I sure he's going home to kick the dog or something. I'll bet he had a skinfull last night!

It is now 24 years since an Irishman won The Irish Open.

[Dave Ireland]

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

..........It is now 24 years since an Irishman won The Irish Open.

Aaach .... Northern Irish doesn't count - sure youse have The Open as yer national tourney

- In actual fact I was at Portmarnock in '82 to see O'Leary win - those were the days when the cream of golf Norman, Ballesteros etc could be bothered turning up, at least we have a recognisable winner this year after Stephen Dodd and Brett Rumford the last 2 years

[Bravo]

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

It is now 24 years since an Irishman won The Irish Open.

I had no idea. I like Clarke too. He has all the physical tools to win.

[Dave Ireland]

Originally Posted by Bravo

I had no idea. I like Clarke too. He has all the physical tools to win.

All the physical tools Bravo ... to my mind he's the most naturally gifted golfer we have this side of the pond ....but mental fortitude is his achilles heel.

I don't think he has the courage of his own convictions - I read somewhere that his caddy makes 70% of the calls on his clubbing - to my mind the caddy should call the yardage, + - the wind factor, green slope etc and then the player would make the ultimate call on the club ... just ma tuppence worth ..

[Dave Ireland]

Just read a quick snippet about Clarke's round today. Play was suspended yesterday with him playing #9, he was deep in rough - when play resumed today - (I'm taking it that he dropped a ball where he last marked it) - he got a nice lie in the rough, but thinking that this was an unfair advantage, Clarke chipped out sideways onto the fairway - kinda makes his loss even more galling in light of the sportmanship he showed ...

[Andy_79]

I am surprised no-one has mentioned the fact that his wife is battling hard against cancer as having a detrimental effect upon his performance, especially down the final wee bit of his round...

[IrishGolfer]

Hey Andy,

That no doubt plays a big role. No-one is denying that. I read somewhere he was interviewed and said when he is playing well he can forget about things, when he is playing badly, all he can think of is the situation with his wife.

I agree that there are more important things in his radar. I do feel for the guy, he's been through a lot. I just think winning would help him deal with things. I'm sure there was no-one wanting him to win more than his wife.

[The master]

Watched it all this morning dissappointing to see him finish that way he completley duffed that wedge on 18.

He is a great ambassador for the game and is due a major soon, he hits it tee to green better than most he just struggles with the putting at times. 06 or 07 will be his year I feel.

[Andy_79]

I for one would love to see him lift the Claret Jug this year. His iron play is easily the best in the world when he is on his game, there is no doubting that, whatsoever.....

[dave.]

I think the best iron striker in the world is Garcia

[Dave Ireland]

Originally Posted by dave.

I think the best iron striker in the world is Garcia

Ooops thread hijack alert ... personally I would go for the another Spaniard Senor Olazabal

[Andy_79]

Granted, they're both good, but Clarke's manufacturing of shots is simply a joy to watch !! I have to say that Clarke edges it...

[Adam Pettman]

Originally Posted by dave.

I think the best iron striker in the world is Garcia

I was told that Annika Sorenstam used to be the best ball striker in the world but not anymore.