Darren Clarke, overweight and a smoker, is golf's 'ordinary Joe' beloved by crowds
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Larger Text
Print
E-mail
3 Comments
RSS 
Recent Posts
- Orb should win Preakness easily, Oxbow up for second
- Could Celtic boss Neil Lennon be next manager at Manchester United? - His European exploits, especially defeating Barcelona may put him in frame
- Orb has what it takes to win Triple Crown in 2013 - Kentucky Derby winner has breeding, connections and talent
- Goldencents can lead all the way for Doug O’Neill in Kentucky Derby - Lines of Battle, Irish horse looks outclassed in Run for the Roses
- Why Ireland’s Rory McIlroy can defeat Tiger Woods at the 2013 Masters - Comeback kid proves in Texas Open that he still has a unique talent
Archives
There was a wonderful shot of Darren Clarke during the third round yesterday on ESPN.
It pictured him dragging on a cigarette while standing to the side waiting for his partner too play.
He looked like a middle aged overweight schlump,out for an afternoon stroll and hitting a few golf balls.
He certainly didn't look like the man leading the British Open.
As the ESPN commentator noted, when you talk about six packs and Darren Clarke, you are not talking about abs.
Which makes Clarke,overweight, a smoker, a joker who loves to kid around a rare bird in the world of sport.
He is the best everyman since John Daly with his massive weight problems,four or five wives, drink issues and much more became a crowd darling.
I remember being at a US Open some years ago and seeing the crowd reaction to Daly who was a superhero for them.
Clarke is the same and if he manages to lift the claret jug at the end of today's open he will have struck a mighty blow for all couch potatoes.
Clarke has battled a tragic home life when his first wife Heather, died with grace and dignity and is a man who has experienced life's up and downs.
It is reflected in his paunch, his grey hair and his well lined face.
Here's wishing him luck in his final round.
It would be great to have an ordinary Joe winner.
3 Comments
See all comments
JBRAFTREE | Jul 17, 2011, 12:28 PM EDT
Darren's a fine golfer, but shouldn't smoke. The added weight's ok, look at John Daly like.
Report abuse
AengusOg | Jul 17, 2011, 10:34 AM EDT
Sean O'Shea by Sean O'Shea.
Report abuse
Report abuse