Message to Darren Clarke

kyleman · 01-07-2011 03:15PM

endabob1 wrote: »

I've met him twice and found him an absolute gent on both occasions, the first time was when Heather had just been diagnosed with cancer (or it had just become public knowledge) he stood and signed autographs for several kids (including my godson) in the Sports Cafe in London, I expressed my sympathy about Heathers condition and he thanked me before moving on to sign more autographs. Met him again during a tournament and congratulated him on a good round and again he was nice as pie, chatted briefly and he went away about his business.

I along with a group of friends met him on the sunday evening after the irish open finished in Ballybunion as he stood on the street drinking pints of guinness and he was some craic and as down to earth as you will ever meet

f22 · 01-07-2011 04:08PM

kyleman wrote: »

I along with a group of friends met him on the sunday evening after the irish open finished in Ballybunion as he stood on the street drinking pints of guinness and he was some craic and as down to earth as you will ever meet

He used to do the same in Gibneys in Malahide during the Irish Open in Portmarnock. Lock in until 3.00am and an 11.00am teetime.

mag · 01-07-2011 06:01PM

a sound man to chat to as others have said, never had or will realise his potential due to ropey putting and the odd inexplicable shank.

elbows666 · 01-07-2011 08:34PM

f22 wrote: »

He used to do the same in Gibneys in Malahide during the Irish Open in Portmarnock. Lock in until 3.00am and an 11.00am teetime.

After the night in Gibneys he topped it off the 1st tee

Jul3s · 01-07-2011 09:45PM

Screw you mister wannabe.

mr.mickels · 02-07-2011 12:31AM

the lawman wrote: »

Tell me what would you consider 'fulfilling his talent' bearing in my mind his actual level of capabilities and talent?

Not shanking a tee shot onto the beach like a pure hacker when leading the british open on the sunday and actually winning the event, as an example of fulfilling talent

I read Clarkes 2006 Ryder Cup diary a few weeks back, I was surprised to read Darren admit he wanted to miss his short putt to win his ryder cup single match in 2004, for the simple reason that he "liked" his opponent, according to his own book on the 18th green he said to both caddies I want to miss this, before he went over and missed, he also says that before he hit the putt he had no idea what the overall standings were so wasn't aware whether the team needed his point or not. What would Seve or other champions think of that attitude in a competitive professional event? Darren was too soft to be a major champion, and the shank onto the beach was his way of removing himself from the real pressure of the event.
I recall when he beat Tiger in that world matchplay event, he was interviewed after about beating the world number 1, he kept saying "we're just 2 guys having fun, we're just playing for fun, having fun"!!!. It was clear Tiger wasn't just having fun and was playing to win. I think Darren is too soft to be Ryder Cup captain, he just isn't tough enough, and that "just having fun" nonsense that leads to shanks and missing short putts can be felt be all players on the team. Jacklin, Seve, Langer and Monty had success as captains cos they were driven to win themselves on the big stage and weren't "just having fun". I wouldn't like to see a man who admits he wanted to miss a 3 footer to win his match be awarded the captaincy. He should have been too embarrassed to admit that in his book. However I gather he is a popular character on the tour, and his own softness as a player shouldn't necessarily prevent him selecting the best pairings and getting a good team spirit going, lets face it he would do better than Faldo or James in that regard.
I thought Langer was an outstanding captain, wasn't happy just to win but wanted the biggest margin possible, wanted to "cream them" in his own words and if he ever was to get it again I would welcome that.

heavyballs · 02-07-2011 09:15AM

Jul3s wrote: »

Screw you mister wannabe.

childish to say the least

let me state i actually like Clark,my comments were about his attitude on the course,as a person i've nothing against the chap at all.

SM746 · 02-07-2011 09:45PM

endabob1 wrote: »

I've met him twice and found him an absolute gent on both occasions, the first time was when Heather had just been diagnosed with cancer (or it had just become public knowledge) he stood and signed autographs for several kids (including my godson) in the Sports Cafe in London, I expressed my sympathy about Heathers condition and he thanked me before moving on to sign more autographs. Met him again during a tournament and congratulated him on a good round and again he was nice as pie, chatted briefly and he went away about his business.

met him over 2years ago when he had his 40th celebrations at my club and town. only a passing hello as he walked to the tee but according to all accounts he was an absolute gent, as were his playing partners, to the local caddies the club gave them.

The Orb · 02-07-2011 10:10PM

I have only heard good things about Clarke from friends of mine who have spent time in his company. The frustrating thing about Clarke is that he had more ability in his little finger than 99% of other pros but He was too interested in smoking fat cigars, driving fast cars and necking Guinness. If he had shown as much application as say Harrington or McGinley, and maximized his talents, then he would have won multiple majors and been a legend of the game. Apart from his personal loss Darren seems to have lived a fun life which has set him up for life, and that's fine if that's what he wanted. But when I picture Darren I see a cigar in one hand, porter in the other and a 911 parked behind him. Meanwhile Harrington, McDowell and McIlroy win majors.

mr.mickels · 02-07-2011 10:15PM

The Orb wrote: »

I have only heard good things about Clarke from friends of mine who have spent time in his company. The frustrating thing about Clarke is that he had more ability in his little finger than 99% of other pros but He was too interested in smoking fat cigars, driving fast cars and necking Guinness. If he had shown as much application as say Harrington or McGinley, and maximized his talents, then he would have won multiple majors and been a legend of the game. Apart from his personal loss Darren seems to have lived a fun life which has set him up for life, and that's fine if that's what he wanted. But when I picture Darren I see a cigar in one hand, porter in the other and a 911 parked behind him. Meanwhile Harrington, McDowell and McIlroy win majors.

I don't think work ethic was Darrens problem, he clearly didn't like the pressure of the big events, his awful effort in the british open the time he was leading had nothing to do with lack of effort, a shank onto the beach was the stuff of someone soiling themselves.

L.O.F.T · 02-07-2011 10:30PM

Jul3s wrote: »

Screw you mister wannabe.

internet_tough_guy_-_because_its_easy_to_be_a_6_foot_4_olympic_powerlifter_and_streetfighting_god_from_behind_the_confines_of_a_keyboard.jpg

Kace · 02-07-2011 10:41PM

elbows666 wrote: »

After the night in Gibneys he topped it off the 1st tee

Ha! Yeah - I saw that one alright, was there that day. He did of course still manage to get the par afterwards.

He also ground out a great win in Mallorca in a gale a few weeks ago. Absolutely nothing against the guy and I enjoy watching him.

stockdam · 02-07-2011 11:56PM

There seems to be a bit of nastiness in this thread. I have never talked to him so can't comment on what he is like.

He played at my home course once and hit a drive and a 9 iron to a par 5 where I have only hit an iron as a second shot on a handful of times and these have all been 3 irons.

Blobby George · 03-07-2011 12:59AM

heavyballs wrote: »

childish to say the least

let me state i actually like Clark,my comments were about his attitude on the course,as a person i've nothing against the chap at all.

nice bit of backtracking there. lol

heavyballs · 03-07-2011 01:08AM

Blobby George wrote: »

heavyballs wrote: »

childish to say the least

let me state i actually like Clark,my comments were about his attitude on the course,as a person i've nothing against the chap at all.

nice bit of backtracking there. lol

What u on?....maybe read the op,nothing to back track for.......is there?

Blobby George · 03-07-2011 01:10PM

heavyballs wrote: »

What u on?....maybe read the op,nothing to back track for.......is there?

:rolleyes:

FlutterinBantam · 04-07-2011 08:17AM

foxyboxer wrote: »

Why?
I would be less inclined to root for a european team helmed by Clarke.
I couldn't have cared less if europe lost with Montgomerie.
I hope they win next year with Olazabal.

Hmmm... you seem to have a few personal issues my friend.

I think what you need is a nice mug up 'Lighten Up' soft drink and a bit of sunlight.

Good man, brisk walk on the beach maybe?

foxyboxer · 04-07-2011 09:55AM

Maybe I should open up a thread in the Personal Issues forum entitled.

"Why does my total apathy for the Ryder Cup make me so blue and allow others to question my mental stability?"

:rolleyes:

Jul3s · 06-07-2011 04:54PM

heavyballs wrote: »

childish to say the least

Just like this thread.

let me state i actually like Clark,my comments were about his attitude on the course,as a person i've nothing against the chap at all

Backtrack much?.

Jul3s · 06-07-2011 04:55PM

L.O.F.T wrote: »

Nice pic of yourself.

SARZY · 06-07-2011 06:52PM

Once saw DC in St Andrews at the OPEN on the Wednesday evening, passing the 17th green, along the road, in his Tux, on the way to a very plush Dinner.

There was a Pro practising and his ball was on the road.
So the bould DC grabs the wedge from him, without asking,
and chips the ball onto the green.
The poor auld Pro didnt know what to do and DC handed back the wedge without a word and continued on his merry way.

My mate says If he did that to me I'd give him a Box in the Mouth. So said all of us.

Hes a long long way from Dinners in the Tux on the eve of the Open now.

Watched him closely in Mount Juliet a good few years ago and he was playing on his own having just made the cut and The Most noticeable thing that day was he only used Orange coloured tees. Maybe they dont allow Orange coloured tees in Druids Glen.

Nonoperational · 06-07-2011 06:54PM

I remember carrying the score board at the Irish Open before. T
A lad on the 1st turned to Clarke and said "nice day today". He looked at him, turned to his caddy and said "we've a ****ing weatherman and all today" and stormed off.

Osgoodisgood · 06-07-2011 07:34PM

I've never met the guy. The few times that I've seen him up close he's been perfectly professional.
I have one pal who swears DC is a total pri*k but also admits to having never actually met him. I have many other pals who have also only ever seen him on the gogglebox and they seem to like him.

He's fun to watch and that's enough for me. Such a sweet striker of the ball.

munster87 · 12-07-2011 12:48PM

Jul3s wrote: »

Screw you mister wannabe.

Idiot

The Orb · 17-07-2011 06:14PM

The Orb wrote: »

I have only heard good things about Clarke from friends of mine who have spent time in his company. The frustrating thing about Clarke is that he had more ability in his little finger than 99% of other pros but He was too interested in smoking fat cigars, driving fast cars and necking Guinness. If he had shown as much application as say Harrington or McGinley, and maximized his talents, then he would have won multiple majors and been a legend of the game. Apart from his personal loss Darren seems to have lived a fun life which has set him up for life, and that's fine if that's what he wanted. But when I picture Darren I see a cigar in one hand, porter in the other and a 911 parked behind him. Meanwhile Harrington, McDowell and McIlroy win majors.

Darren, I salute you, you were magnificent. I will relish each slice of humble pie that I now must eat, in your honour they will be humble pints. As a golf fanatic this ranks as one of the greatest days of my life. For your bravery and dignity over the last few years this is richly deserved.

Kace · 17-07-2011 06:18PM

Humble pie party - all you guys invited.

Jul3s · 17-07-2011 06:18PM

Commence arse licking smallballs.

Jul3s · 17-07-2011 06:20PM

munster87 wrote: »

Idiot

Takes one to know one and lightballs knows them all.

Opics · 17-07-2011 06:23PM

EPIC thread bump

Profondo Rosso · 17-07-2011 06:26PM

I'd say the OP of this thread is running for cover like a little girl. Twat.

Message to Darren Clarke

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