Darren Clarke became the first recipient of the Walter Hagen Ambassador of the Game award at the Country Club of Rochester on Thursday. 

Hagen was the Country Club of Rochester's first head professional and the award recognises those who contribute to the growth of the sport with Clarke singled out for his work with the Darren Clarke Foundation.

"To receive this Walter Hagen award is huge and huge for my foundation and the people back home behind the scenes,” said Clarke, who opened with a two-under 68 to lie just two shots off the lead in the KitchenAid Senior PGA at nearby Oak Hill.

“Everything works great but it's the people behind the scenes that need all the credit for it, but it's wonderful for the members of CCR to give me the first one. It's very special.”