For a while it looked like Phil would come charging through the field, out in 30 strokes and another birdie on the tenth, but after missing a short putt on the 11th, the wheels rather fell of his round. The other main US challenger, Dustin Johnson, was hanging in there until he pushed his second to the 14th out of bounds, and Darren was sitting pretty four shots up with four holes left to play.
He may have enjoyed a few moments of luck along the way, a kind bounce here, skipping over a bunker there, but no-one in Sandwich was going to begrudge him that. He carried on seemingly without a care in the world.
His post match interview was especially touching. Beaming throughout, he was unable to find words just for a few seconds when the interviewer made reference to the tough times he's faced in recent years. After a moment or two, he simply said, "It's for the kids."
So, Northern Ireland clearly the powerhouse in world golf at the moment - three out of the last six major winners.
Roll on the US PGA next month!