Darren Clarke hit with truly bizarre penalty

No matter the result on Sunday night, it’s fair to say that Darren Clarke won’t ever forget his US Senior Open debut.

The 2011 Open champion, who became eligible for the grey-hair majors last August, was hit with a bizarre penalty during the opening round of the championship, taking place at Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course.

After pulling his drive left on the par-4 tenth hole, the Northern Irishman found a bird feeder sitting directly in his line.

Fair to move – right?

Wrong.

• Open champ to pocket record prize money

• Young Scots pro seals his Open berth

According to Rule 15.2, a player is allowed free relief from movable obstructions, but not from immovable. The bird feeders at the Warren course are considered immovable.

There is one exception to the immovable object rule, as outlined in Rule 16.1, which allows a player free relief from immovable objects and other abnormal course conditions – but only in instances where it interferes with their lie, stance or ball on a green. There is no provision for immovable objects in your line.

• Muirfield welcomes women for first time

• Scottish schools are shunning golf

As Clarke was talking to a rules official, his caddie was picked up by television cameras in the background trying to remove the bird feeder.

That cost Clarke two shots, a triple on the hole and contributed to a three-over 73.

All because of a bird feeder.

What. A. Palaver.