Darren Clarke was disappointed not to have finished higher on the leaderboard - but had the consolation of finishing the top British player in this year's Open Championship.

The Ulsterman started Sunday at eight under par, but admitted that it would take a miracle for him to catch the eventual champion Tiger Woods on the final day at St Andrews.

However, he had hoped to at least finish second in the event and looked in good shape to do so with a birdie at the first and third holes, but he failed to continue that momentum.

Clarke said, "I sunk some great puts early on, but after that it just didn't seem to go for me.

Frustrating

"It was great fun, but it just didn't happen for me and I didn't make another put which was really frustrating.

"Then I three-putted on the eighth green and missed from three foot, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

"A couple of things go against you and there's nothing you can do and it affects your round.

"I wanted to finish second and felt that I could get close to that and finish strongly which is the most disappointing thing of the lot. I will now go away and try and find my golf swing."