A few thoughts on a few players in the British Open:
Darren Clarke -- You have to feel happy for Darren Clarke, who has had ups and downs on and off the course, in particular losing his wife to cancer shortly before the 2006 Ryder Cup. He's thought to be a bit of an average Joe who enjoys drinking a few beers and socializing. Indeed, I've seen Clarke and his running buddy Lee Westwood out on several occasions over the years in the cities where they're playing that week, including Hilton Head Island and Charlotte.
It's amazing, also, that Clarke gives the small country of Northern Ireland three major champions in the past 13 months. He joins U.S. Open champions Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
Rory McIlroy -- McIlroy had perhaps the strangest quote of the week, saying he doesn't like playing in wind or inclement weather and he was looking forward to getting back to the more consistent weather in America. This coming from a guy who grew up on links courses in Ireland and opted not to become a member of the PGA Tour this year to compete in Europe more. Could this mean McIlroy may join the PGA Tour in 2012? That would definitely be good for the tour and U.S. golf fans.
Phil Mickelson -- For a guy who has amassed 39 wins, including four majors, why does it feel like Mickelson has underachieved in his career. It sure seems like he could have and maybe should have won a lot more times in his 436 PGA Tour starts. He seems to miss 3-foot putts in key moments fairly regularly. He definitely should have won the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, which would have amazingly given him three consecutive major titles and had him on the verge of dominating professional golf. And after playing his first 10 holes 6-under par Sunday to tie for the lead, he faltered on the back nine. A great golfer with a ton of wins, but it just seems like we could have gotten quite a bit more out of Mickelson's career to this point.
Dustin Johnson -- Johnson played in the final group on a Sunday for the third time in the last six majors. That's incredible consistency in majors for a 27-year-old, but he's failed to come through in every instance. His time will come, for sure, in majors, and it could happen sooner than later. He certainly doesn't appear to be afraid to be in the situation, even though he's been unable to close the deal. Some have said or inferred the 3-iron he hit out of bounds on the 14th hole was choking. I don't think one bad shot in difficult conditions is choking. Clarke simply played very well in the situation and conditions, as he had all weekend, and it was his week.
