London, July 19 : Darren Clarke, who said that being an Open champion was not all grins and Guinness, admitted to blushing when buxom golf fans asked him to sign their boobs.

The enigma, enigma who was Tiger Woods' main rival in the late 90s, is world ranked 775th.

That was one of the most unexpected spin-offs from his memorable triumph at Royal St George's last year.

Despite an alarming slump in form after The Open in Sandwich, Clarke has embraced every aspect of being the Claret Jug holder.

"Probably the strangest part was being asked to sign ladies' boobs on quite a few occasions," the Sun quoted him as saying.

"It always makes me blush - I mean, where do you look?

"I find it almost as odd when people thrust out scraps of paper for me to sign, you just know they're going to end up lost or in the bin.

"But I have to admit, I've loved the attention and it's been nice to be recognised in places like Australia, Abu Dhabi and Korea.

"That hasn't fazed me too much to be honest - nothing will ever top the time I won a World Golf Championship event at Bridgestone, Ohio, and headed off to Providence, Rhode Island, later that night.

"I went into this bar with my caddie and we were the only people there apart from the barman.

"He was watching the highlights on TV, looked at me, did a double take, and pointed to the screen. I nodded and said, `Yes, that's me'.

"Within half an hour the place was packed with people wanting to have their picture taken with me.

"It was a great evening and that sort of thing was perfect preparation for being The Open champion.

"I've always taken pride in the way people associate with me, probably because I'm not a gym rat, I smoke and like the odd drink," he added. (ANI)