Some people may be surprised that Darren Clarke starts the final day of The Open with a one shot lead.   I’m not one of them. This column predicted in its preview of the world’s greatest golfing tournament that if the wind blew then look out for DCC.

The wind has blown and my longest-serving client and close friend has it in his grasp today to make history on the southern most links where the silver claret jug is played for.

After all the turmoil Darren has gone through on and off the course, I don’t think anybody would begrudge the big man his day in the sun... although there will be plenty trying to prevent it.

Darren is perhaps the greatest ball striker I have ever seen and from tee to green this week he has demonstrated the vast array of shots he possesses particularly on this type of terrain.

The Ulsterman takes a one shot lead with him to the links of Royal St. George’s with American Dustin Johnson one shot behind and his close friend Thomas Bjorn a further two adrift after three of the most riveting days in championship history.

Darren will be aware that the threat to him may well come from those even further adrift because Paul Lawrie proved at Carnoustie a decade ago that it is possible to come from 10 shots behind on the last day and still win.

But if Darren plays as well as he can, then he will take some stopping.

Among those trying to do just that will be Simon Dyson, who is in tied 17th position seven shots back while US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel is one further back while US Open winner Rory McIlroy will not be daunted at the prospect of having to make up nine shots.

We couldn’t wish for a better scenario at the head of affairs because Darren has been close in this championship before and deserves his place in history.