Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy honoured by European tour

  • Published
Rory McIlroy, Graeme Mcdowell and Darren Clarke with their trophies
Image caption,

Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke with their trophies, beside former US Open winner Graeme McDowell

Golfers Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy have both been made honorary life members of the European Tour after their major victories this summer.

The pair were presented with their badges at the Irish Open in Killarney.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and tour chief executive George O'Grady made the presentation.

Mr Kenny is playing with McIlroy in the curtain-raising pro-am event, before the Irish Open begins on Thursday.

Clarke won the Open earlier this month at his 20th attempt and at 43 is the oldest Claret Jug holder since 1967.

McIlroy, 22, last month became the youngest US Open champion since 1933 - and did it by a runaway eight-shot margin and with a record score.