Darren started the 2012 season with a solid performance at the Volvo Golf Champions.
A second round 68, his best since winning The Open last July, helped him to an overall score of -1 on the Links at Fancourt, South Africa. The score meant he finished in tied 20th place alongside stablemate Simon Dyson.
The tournament was won by another ISM player, Branden Grace, who beat Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in a play-off to secure back to back European Tour wins.
2011 finished on a high for Darren after he was awarded the OBE in the New Years' Honours List and then 2012 began with the news that his home course of Royal Portrush will host the Irish Open later this year.
He also won the Belfast Telegraph Sports Star of the Year which was presented to fiancee Alison who accepted the award on his behalf.
“It’s been wonderful for me this past year. Having moved back home and living here permanently it’s a wonderful place to be and bring up my kids and I’m really enjoying it
