• Open Championship, Final Round, What They Said

What They Said

Rory McIlroy did not have the best of weeks at this year's Open © PA Photos

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Darren Clarke showed tremendous nerve to seal a three-shot victory and claim his first major crown. He said: "I played OK today and did what I had to do. I was just trying not to make any stupid mistakes and be really careful and it turned out to be enough to win. I've been unbelievably comfortable and confident in my own ability this week. It's for the kids - they'll be very proud. I think the celebrations could be long... and very enjoyable..."

Rory McIlroy failed to repeat his US Open heroics, carding a final-round 73 for seven-over for the tournament. Despite his disappointing showing, the Northern Irishman was adamant he would not be changing his style of play to suit Links golf. He said: "It was a tough week, I shot myself in the foot yesterday and could never really get it back today. I'm not going to change my game for one week in the year. I know I'm capable of winning but I don't enjoy these conditions as much as some of the other guys. I'm not a fan of tournaments where the outcome is predicted so much by the weather - it's not my sort of golf."

Dustin Johnson finished in a share of second after a final round 72. He said: "I played well enough maybe to get it done today but just didn't hole the putts at the right time. But the more I put myself in this situation the better, the more I learn the more I understand the game and what happens in this situation."

Rickie Fowler finished in a tie for fifth after a final round 72. He said: "I really haven't been in contention come Sunday in a major, so definitely felt nice. Obviously a major is a little bit different than a normal tour event, so I am obviously pleased with where my game is right now and looking forward to getting on with the rest of the year."

Sergio Garcia carded a fine round of 68 in some difficult conditions to set an early clubhouse target at two-over. He said: "It was a good finish in very tough conditions. I feel like both me and my playing partner [McIlroy], we've played in the worst of the weather throughout the week with the draw we had, and you can't be disappointed about the week then. You know, I've said it over and over again, this is my favourite championship of the year. I love this tournament and I wanted to be in it."

Tom Watson finished six-over for the tournament after a final round of 72 - his third such score of the week. He said: "72 on this golf course is not a bad score, and it just wasn't good enough to get close to the leaders this week. It was a wonderful experience. I didn't have a lot of expectations coming in here, but today I kind of found a little bit of something with my golf swing. And I had a hole-in-one. I mean, come on. Holes-in-one are certainly things to remember, and I'll remember that for a long time."

Tom Lewis picked up the silver medal for top amateur after finishing nine-over. He said: "The Open this week has been amazing for me. The first day was wonderful, and I couldn't have asked for more. It was a shame the last three days, I haven't played anywhere near as good as I had hoped, but to win the silver medal is a great honour. I don't think I'll be turning pro. I think I've got things to learn, as I've just lost by about 20 shots this week. It would be lovely to play in the Walker Cup in September. I think my girlfriend Lara is happy for me for putting her in the paper. Hopefully she gets a bit of publicity for it. She'd love to be an actress, so I hope that helps her."

Martin Kaymer finished three-over after a final round of 73. He said: "It was okay. I was four over after nine holes, and I just tried to keep it together. That was my goal, to shoot under par on the back nine. I did that, but I three-putted 17. It was a little unnecessary. But overall it was an okay week. I think I'm on a good way to perform well soon."

Justin Rose managed a final round 70 on the way to an 11-over total. he said: "It was a nice way to finish. My goal at the start of the day was just to play for pride. I made a couple of putts which was nice but it's very, very tough out there. The leaders will have a bit of pressure on them with those three, four-footers."

Simon Dyson finished as the best Englishman after a final round 70 left him two-over. He said: "The way I played last week at Castle Stuart I knew I was coming in here with a nice bit of form, but obviously Luke [Donald] had won the tournament, so he's coming in with a lot better form. But I knew I was playing well, and you can't really think about them, you've just got to concentrate on your own game. I've had four of the hardest days of golf I think I've ever had, and to come out at two-over, I'm really pleased with that."

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