By Mark Garrod, PA Sport Golf Correspondent

Darren Clarke wishes the United States Open was starting on Tuesday, not Thursday, after winning the Compass Group English Open by three shots at the Forest of Arden.

Clarke, who partners Tiger Woods in the first two rounds at Bethpage, said: "I'm relishing the thought already.

"I won't be distracted or intimidated and if I have the same focus as this week nothing will bother me."

Clarke, who flies to New York on Concorde tomorrow, had only five bogeys all week and added: "My driving has been fantastic.

"I hit more fairways than I have in I don't know how long. My whole game is pretty solid right now and if I keep driving like this and hitting quality shots hopefully I'll give myself a chance next weekend."

The Ulsterman was pleased with his mental attitude as well on a final afternoon of torrential rain and wind.

"It was horrible for a while and very difficult to make a proper swing."