Clarke Wins English Open

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland shook off his season-long slump Sunday by winning the English Open.

Clarke withstood 1 hour, 30 minute rain delay to beat John Bickerton by two strokes.

Clarke finished at 20 under. Bickerton, who recorded one of the day's best rounds with a 65 to get into contention, end up at 18 under.

By earning his fifth European Tour title, Clarke was pleased to put behind him a disastrous run which saw him miss three cuts in five tournaments, including at the U.S. Masters.

"I had a tough start to the season and a lot of people were asking lots of questions. It's great to turn it around again as I wasn't the best company in the world."

"This win feels great ... now I just hope to play better, more consistently."

Colin Montgomerie, who had won two of the previous three European Tour events, finished at 13 under. Montgomerie was never able to seize the momentum he showed on Saturday, when he shot a 65 to charge up the leaderboard.

He closed with 2 under 70.

David Carter and Stephen Leaney each finished at 14 under.

Clarke's day appeared to get off to a shaky start. His tee shot landed in a deep greenside bunker on the first hole.

But his chip from the bunker ran straight to the cup for an eagle.

He later escaped troubled on 13. His drive landed in a ditch on the left edge of the fairway. After surveying the scene, Clarke appeared to be about to take a drop.

But, after studying the rough, Clarke opted to play out of the ditch and managed to get his shot near the green. He went on to get his par.

Bickerton, though, continued to pressure Clarke with a series of late birdies.

But it wasn't enough.

Clarke jumped to the top of the leaderboard based on his play on the back nine. He birdied the last five holes on Friday and Saturday.

He wasn't as impressive on Sunday, but he didn't make many mistakes.