2011 Open Championship: Darren Clarke's Historic Victory at Royal St George's
The 2011 Open Championship marked the 140th edition of golf's oldest and most prestigious major. Held from July 14 to 17 at the Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, England, the tournament provided a stage for one of the most heartwarming stories in professional golf. After twenty attempts at the championship, Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke finally secured his first major title, navigating a challenging course and a world-class field to claim the Claret Jug.
Organized by The R&A and co-sanctioned by the European Tour, PGA Tour, and Japan Golf Tour, the event drew 156 players. The tournament was characterized by fluctuating weather conditions and a course layout that tested the precision and mental fortitude of every competitor.
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Key Facts
- Champion: Darren Clarke (275, -5)
- Venue: Royal St George's Golf Club, Sandwich, England
- Dates: 14–17 July 2011
- Prize Fund: £5,000,000 ($8,067,100)
- Winner's Share: £900,000 ($1,452,078)
- Course Length: 7,211 yards, Par 70
- Cut Line: 143 (+3)
The Venue and Course Layout
Royal St George's underwent specific modifications for the 2011 event. The course was lengthened by 105 yards (96 m) compared to its 2003 configuration. Additionally, the par returned to 70; previously, in 2003, the fourth hole had been played as a par five, making the total par 71.
The layout presented a balanced challenge, with the "Out" and "In" nines both playing to a par of 35. The total distance of 7,211 yards required a blend of power and strategic accuracy to avoid the hazards typical of English links golf.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 7,211 yards (6,594 m) |
| Course Par | 70 |
| Out (Holes 1-9) | 3,622 yards / Par 35 |
| In (Holes 10-18) | 3,589 yards / Par 35 |
Tournament Progression
Early Rounds and Amateur Surprises
The opening round saw an unexpected surge from 20-year-old amateur Tom Lewis, who shot a 65 (-5) to share the lead with Thomas Bjørn. Lewis became the first amateur to hold at least a share of the lead after 18 holes since 1968, recording the lowest single-round score by an amateur in the history of The Open. Meanwhile, favorites like Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald struggled, both carding 71.
The Rise of Darren Clarke
By the second round, Darren Clarke emerged as a co-leader alongside Lucas Glover, both sitting at -4. As the tournament progressed into the third round, Clarke maintained his composure during wet and windy conditions. He shot a 69 to take a narrow one-stroke lead over Dustin Johnson, entering the final day at 205 (-5).
The Final Showdown
The final round was a dramatic battle of nerves. Phil Mickelson mounted a fierce charge on the front nine, including an eagle on the 7th hole to tie for the lead. However, Clarke countered with his own eagle on the 7th, maintaining his cushion. While Dustin Johnson attempted a bold 2-iron shot on the 14th, he pushed the ball out of bounds, resulting in a double-bogey seven that effectively ended his challenge.
Despite bogeys on his final two holes, Darren Clarke finished with an even-par 70. His total score of 275 (-5) secured a three-shot victory over Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson. At 42, Clarke became the oldest debut major-winner and the oldest Open Champion since 1967.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2011 Open Championship?
Darren Clarke won the tournament with a total score of 275 (-5), marking his first and only major championship victory.
Where was the 2011 Open held?
The event took place at the Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, England.
What was the significance of Tom Lewis in this tournament?
Tom Lewis, a 20-year-old amateur, shared the lead after the first round and set a record for the lowest single-round score by an amateur at The Open Championship.
How much was the winner's prize?
The winner's share of the prize fund was £900,000, which was approximately $1,452,078 at the time.
Which high-profile players withdrew before the event?
Tiger Woods withdrew due to a knee injury, while other players such as Tim Clark (elbow injury) and David Toms (hip injury) also withdrew.