Americans make good showing at The Open - but still winless in last 7 majors

Phil Mickelson made his best showing at The Open Championship with a T2 with Dustin Johnson.  Chad Campbell finished T5 for one of his best results in a long time.  And Rickie Fowler and Anthony Kim proved they have what it takes to contend on Golfs biggest stages.  Oh, and don't forget Davis Love III who was fortunate to get into the tournament at all and finished T9.


But, it was sentimental favorite Darren Clarke who held fast and won comfortably by 2 strokes.  It was reminiscent of Tom Watson's run two years ago.  Obviously not as amazing as Clarke is only 42 years old, but no one older had accomplished the feat since 1967.


Two good days of weather, followed by two blustery days challenged every contender to play straight ahead golf and make the fewest mistakes at Royal St. George's devilish layout.  Clarke proved to everyone that he is a true links golfer, who has all the shots necessary to navigate the undulating fairways and massive greens.  

And he has made super agent Chubby Chandler a household name, given that he now boasts Clarke as well as Els, McIlroy, Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel as members of his stable.  Chandler actually was managing McDowell as well, but let him get away in 2007.  Whatever he's doing, it's working!!