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McIlroy opts for McDowell over Clarke

Golf: Darren Clarke’s British Open Championship victory was not enough to get him into Ireland’s two-man team for the World …

Gerry McIlroy (right) is congratulated by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on the 15th hole during the Pro Am prior to the Open held at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club on July 27th, 2011. - (Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Gerry McIlroy (right) is congratulated by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on the 15th hole during the Pro Am prior to the Open held at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club on July 27th, 2011. - (Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Wed Jul 27 2011 - 01:00

Golf:Darren Clarke's British Open Championship victory was not enough to get him into Ireland's two-man team for the World Cup in China in November. As world number four Rory McIlroy had the right to choose Clarke, Graeme McDowell or Pádraig Harrington to be his partner, and opted for McDowell.

“G-Mac’s the next highest on the rankings, so it will be me and him again,” the 22-year-old said today on the eve of the Irish Open at Killarney.

Clarke moved up from 111th to 30th with his triumph at Sandwich two weeks ago, while three-time Major winner Harrington is now down at 64th.

McIlroy and McDowell represented Ireland - in golf the Republic and Northern Ireland come together - the last time the World Cup was staged two years ago, finishing second to Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari at Mission Hills in China.

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Both Clarke and McIlroy today joined McDowell as Honorary Life Members of The European Tour, following their Major wins.

The pair received European golf’s highest award from Tour chief George O'Grady at the Pro-Am in Killarney this afternoon.

“It is a privilege to honour Rory and Darren with the highest award our Tour can bestow," O’Grady said, "and both fully deserve it after their marvellous achievements, which have given all of us at The European Tour such pride and pleasure.

“Rory’s victory in the US Open was the complete performance and remarkable for someone so young, while Darren’s win at his 20th attempt at Royal St George’s only a month later was simply thrilling. Both players are strong supporters of The European Tour and we are delighted to witness this truly magnificent period for golf in Northern Ireland.”