Clarke caresses first Top-10 for two years: "It's proper golf instead of just firing darts all the time"
Darren Clarke hasn't won a tour event since he claimed The Open at Royal St George's in 2011. He's also had just two top 10 finishes since then — one in China and one in Australia. But he could make it three if he finishes the job in the Emirates Australian Open in the early hours on Sunday.
McIlroy needs a miracle Down Under
Rory McIlroy needs an extraordinary final round if he's to successfully defend the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney. Even taking into account the incredible feats performed by the Co Down man this year, it would take something very special for him to get out of jail this time.
McIlroy turns on the style Down Under
Rory McIlroy watches the flight of an iron shot in the second round of the Emirates Australian Open. Picture: Jayne Russell/www.oneasia.asia
Rory McIlroy took advantage of the best of the weather to fire nine birdies in a second round 65 and move to within two shots of leader Adam Scott in the Emirates Australian Open.
McIlroy: "It is hard to give Adam Scott a seven-shot lead"
Rory McIlroy drove the ball well but struggled on the greens at times to slip seven shots behind Adam Scott in the Emirates Australian Open. Picture: Jayne Russell/oneasia.asia
Rory McIlroy sounded like he was bracing himself for another winless week after shooting a 69 to leader Adam Scott’s course record 62 in the first round of the Australian Open.
Is Rory McIlroy too soft?
Rory McIlroy has had a tough year mentally. Picture: Denise Cleary www.golffile.ie
Rory McIlroy sounded just a little jaded in his press tournament press conference ahead of the Australian Open, which is hardly surprising considering he has travelled from the US to Korea, China, Dubai and the US again before heading touching down in Sydney this week.
McIlroy contractually obliged to miss World Cup?
Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell during a practice round for The Open at Murifield. Picture Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ieContractual reasons are being touted as the reason for Rory McIlroy’s absence from the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf, giving Shane Lowry the chance to pick up some precious world ranking points when he partners Graeme McDowell at Royal Melbourne in November.Team McIlroy refutes $2m Australian Open fee story
McIlroy tweeted a link to the latest US edition of Golf World recently. Other stories he’s not so happy about.Rory McIlroy today gave Paul McGinley yet another vote of confidence and called for the Dubliner to be given the task of taking leading Europe against Tom Watson’s USA in Gleneagles in 2014.
After also using his Twitter account to confirm “for the record” that he believes Darren Clarke should get “a go” in 2016 and then revealing how he’d just had lunch with Jack Nicklaus, his management company issued a statement to shoot down a story claiming he’d doubled an agreed appearance fee to play in the Australian Open.
Clarke targets points and pints in Australian Open
Darren Clarke wants to celebrate world ranking points with pints in this week’s Australian Open.
The Ulsterman, 40, has made a whirlwind trip to Royal Sydney in an effort to finish the year inside the world’s top 50 and guarantee his place in next year’s Masters.
