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On Sunday, 42-year-old Darren Clarke’s even-par 70 was enough to claim his first major title, winning the British Open by three strokes over Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.  Clarke is the first golfer since Mark O’Meara in 1998 to win his first major after his 40th birthday, and he gives tiny Northern Ireland three of the past five major champions, joining 22-year-old Rory McIlroy and 31-year-old Graeme McDowell.

“It’s been a dream since I’ve been a kid to win the Open, like any kid’s dream is,” said Clarke. “And I’m able to do it, which just feels incredible – incredible – right now.”

Clarke also became the 12th different golfer to win the last 12 majors. Northern Ireland’s other two major champions tweeted their happiness for the old fellow. “Northern Ireland … golf capital of the world!!” tweeted Rory McIlroy. “What a story,” McDowell tweeted. “Very emotional for him. There will be tears.”

The American major title drought is now at six majors, but Johnson and Mickelson were joined by three other Americans in the top seven at the British Open. Norway’s Thomas Bjorn finished alone in fourth place, while Rickie Fowler, Andrew Kim and Chad Campbell shared fifth place at even par for the championship. Bjorn and Kim were both alternates who only found out they’d be playing in the Open less than a week before it started.