Former Open Champ Shares Advice for Ladies at AIG Women's Open: Exclusive originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
By Garrett Johnston
"It's a brilliant golf course and a fair test," Darren Clarke says of AIG Women's Open host course Royal Porthcawl in Wales.
As the AIG Women’s Open heads to Royal Porthcawl this week for the first time, it’s intriguing to look back on the events hosted thus far at this week’s venue over past years.
Six Amateur Championships, three ISPS Handa Senior Opens, a Walker Cup, and a Curtis Cup make this venue truly a memorable one.
It’s also been an enjoyable one for some Open Championship participants who just played in the 153rd edition at Royal Portrush. Darren Clarke played Royal Porthcawl most recently during the last ISPS Handa Senior Open in 2023 when he was defending champion at the time, and the Northern Irishman settled for a tie for 33rd.
The final major of the year starts 🔜@AIGWomensOpenpic.twitter.com/yB6X189Wzu
— LPGA (@LPGA) July 30, 2025
“I hit a lot of shots there the last time we played a few years ago,” Clarke laughed as he told Athlon during The Open at Royal Portrush. “It's a brilliant golf course. It's a great, fair test of golf. it's a really good golf course, and I'm sure the ladies will really enjoy it.”
What kind of advice would he impart to the ladies who are about to tee it up this week?
“I would say the same thing with most links-prepare yourself-because you’re going to get bumps and bounces out there,” Clarke said. “It's going to go sideways a few times. Their fairways are a little bit more undulating than (at Royal Portrush). They will get a few more funky bounces. That's links golf. You've got to use the ground in your favor at times and know where you can land, and know where you can’t land it.”
The best female golfers get their chance to do just that as they compete Thursday through Sunday, capping off the final major championship in the LPGA's signature 75th season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
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