Darren Clarke Wins British Open for First Major Title

Self professed "normal bloke" Darren Clarke walked away from this years British Open with something very few normal people have, the claret jug. The North Ireland native claimed the country's second major in a row and third in the last six continuing the United State's major drought to six straight.

Clarke soldiered through wild changes in weather, alternating between heavy rains and bright sun with a driving wind that the British Open is known for. Charges from Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson fell by the wayside and allowed Clarke to bogey the last two holes of his round to shoot an even 70 on the day.

Countryman and US Open Champion Rory McIlroy was happy for his friend. Clarke pulled out of a tournament earlier this year to celebrate McIlroy's major victory and McIlroy said that while he may not miss a tournament, he would surely be at Clarke's celebration and "definitely be one of the last ones to go to bed."

The victory was emotional for Clarke who had gone 20 starts in the British Open without a victory, the longest such streak. He also had thoughts of his wife who passed several years ago in his mind as he marched down the fairways.

As for the specifics of his celebration Clarke would only divulge a few details. That the party would be long, he would fill his new trophy with "nice, Irish black stuff," and that he would be "very, very hungover."