Darren Clarke believes he can still qualify for the Open at St Andrews after winning the JP McManus Pro-Am in Limerick on Tuesday.

The Dungannon man has slipped to 179th in the world and only victory at this week's Scottish Open will ensure he makes the third major of the year.

"I need a big performance but if I play like I have done here I will give myself a chance," said the 41-year-old.

"It's nice to win again and things are going in the right direction."

The former Ryder Cup star needs to have both a top-five finish and be the leading non-exempt player at Loch Lomond to qualify for the Open.

Clarke finished three under at Adare Manor to edge out Luke Donald by a shot, while Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington ended on four over.

Clarke's last tour success came at the Dutch Open in 2008.

"In terms of winning it is not a major event but we had some of the best golfers in the world here and it was nice to win again," he added.

"It has been a good week, I enjoyed it and had fun and it's now on to Lock Lomond.

"I've been working and working but not quite turning things into the right scores but hopefully I will go on from this and produce the scores I should be making.

"It is great to be back winning - I hope I can use this to build some confidence."

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