“You wouldn't believe that I was a member here” – Clarke

Darren Clarke has joked that after an opening round of 75 in the Open, they would not believe that he was a member of Royal Portrush.

The Open winner in 2011 fought in his opening holes with a birdie and six bogeys.

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However, the 56-year-old broke out of the Rough to get a shot back, and his goal is to make the cut for the weekend.

“Four over par was not what I was hoping for,” said Clarke about BBC Sport Ni.

“In my practice, I hit the ball well, said well and did everything well.

“But that's golf, today it doesn't quite happen.”

Clarke admits that his performance on the front was littered nine of “stupid mistakes” that questioned him: “What do I do?”.

“I took pictures on the front nine that don't let you believe that I was a member here,” he added.

“But the chip in 17 was a big bonus and it was nice to do something good and positive for the day. I just have to play well tomorrow.”