Another fascinating day in Kent saw Darren Clarke move into pole position for what promises to be one of the greatest and toughest Open championships ever. If the wind whips up as predicted it could be carnage on the Kent coast for all those who don’t have the array of shots the conditions will demand.

Darren has them all having spent many of his formative years combating the elements of Portrush and other Irish links. The Ulsterman arrived at Sandwich without any great expectations and isn’t it often the case that good things happen when least expected.

So with two rounds to go, Darren is tied for the lead in his 20th Open alongside America’s former national title holder Lucas Glover.

It’s not the first time Darren has found himself in this position at The Open and he has the tools to finish the job this weekend.

We have several contenders in a very bunched field.  US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel will figure prominently this weekend starting on two under par, just two behind while both Rory McIlroy and Simon Dyson will fancy their chances just two more shots back.

Further down we have defending champion Louis Oosthuizen and Joost Luiten tied for 45th, who will also be confident given that they are only six back.  Fredrik Andersson Hed is a little further back but we all know what he is capable of over any weekend.

So what a final two rounds it promises to be.  The claret jug is up for grabs and I’m not backing against us completing a hat trick of major wins.