Darren Clarke's performances in golf apparel have earned him an OBE.

Published: 03 January 2012

Golf apparel wearer Darren Clarke has been honoured in the New Year's Honours List.

The Northern Irishman collected an OBE at the end of a triumphant 12-month spell that saw him win The Open Championship at Royal St George's in July.

In addition, the player - who has been competing for 21 years after turning professional in 1990 - was victorious at the Iberdrola Open in Mallorca in May, while also finishing second only to cyclist Mark Cavendish in the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Clarke - who finished 11th in the Race to Dubai - said: "I have had a fantastic year and this just caps it off. It is a privilege to be recognised with an OBE - it's a lot to take in."

He described his win at The Open as a dream come true, adding he could never have envisaged the success he has had over the last 12 months.

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