In 2006, Darren Clarke won all three points he had a chance to take in the Ryder Cup thumping of the United States at the K Club. When the final putt dropped in Clarke?s Sunday singles match with Zach Johnson, an emotional week came to a close for Clarke as he cried on the shoulders of his victorious team. Clarke had just lost his wife Heather to breast cancer after a lengthy battle and soldiered on through a competitive week where spouses play a big role.
That week, Amy Mickelson lent a hand to Clarke. She made the important gesture of escorting Clarke and her husband Phil into one of the Ryder Cup ceremonies together. That gesture was not forgotten and Clarke developed a good relationship with the Mickelsons.
After Clarke won the Open Championship on Sunday, it perhaps was only fitting for Mickelson to be there as part of the dual-runners-up. The two shared a brief conversation, clearly congratulatory, but also likely a reflection on the best and the worst of the last five years for both men and their families.
Both men recalled how their personal anguish and joy has brought them closer. The first-time Open runner-up Mickelson could not be more pleased with who beat him ? not only as a quality competitor, but also as a friend who offered an empathetic ear and voice when Amy, as well as Phil?s mother, began their battle with breast cancer.
?He couldn?t be a nicer guy. There?s a lot of players that are extremely happy for him,? Mickelson said.
?He was one of the first people that called us, Amy and I, a couple years ago. He?s been through this and couldn?t have been a better person to talk to.
?He?s a tremendous person and a very good friend, and I couldn?t be happier for him.?
Clarke returned the favor, lauding the Mickelsons for what they did to help him.
?He has turned into also a very good friend of mine through thick and thin, and he said some very, very kind words to me there after the thing, which is great. And Amy is looking fantastic, as well.?
read cricket news read golf news read baseball news read soccer news more sports news
No comments:
Post a Comment