Published Friday, 18 May 2012
Graeme McDowell in Match Play action at Finca Cortesin in Casares, Spain. (© Getty)
Robert Karlsson's half with Jbe Kruger meant that McDowell was guaranteed a top-two finish in his group and therefore qualification for the last 16.
He went on to beat Kruger 4&3 anyway, during the day's action at Finca Cortesin in Casares.
But Clarke had a disappointing defeat by two holes to Robert Rock, despite leading in the early stages - leaving him in need of a win against Justin Rose to book his last 16 berth.
That wasn't to be though, with Rose defeating the Open champ 6&4.
"He was in great spirits considering and very complimentary to me," Rose said.
"He's got it in perspective I guess - it's tough, but it's not like he's checked out. He still wants to be a great player.
"He obviously eluded to the fact that nothing has gone terribly right (on the course) since winning the Open, but the only thing to hopefully draw on is his family life and he's really enjoying being back in Northern Ireland.
"You can see it still hurts, but he's a good enough player that hopefully it will turn round."