Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland has won golf's British Open, defeating his nearest rivals by three strokes.

Clarke battled misty and windy conditions Sunday to capture the first major championship of his career at the age of 42.

Clarke shot an even-par 70 to finish the tournament with a total of 275, five-under-par.

Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson were tied for second at 278, followed by Thomas Bjorn of Denmark at 279.

This year's Open was held at the Royal St. George's Golf Club in Sandwich, England. As the winner Clark receives the prestigious Claret Jug and the top prize of $1.4 million.

Last year's champion, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, ended up in a tie for 54th place.

Northern Ireland's Rory Mcllroy, who won the U.S. Open last month, finished in a tie for 25th.