DESPERATE situations demand desperate remedies — so Darren Clarke has decided to swallow his pride and turn to the belly putter for this week’s €3.3m Smurfit European Open starting over the new South (or Smurfit) Course at The K-Club on Thursday.

DARREN CLARKE confirmed yesterday he will contest the $2m Dubai Desert Classic from March 4-7 after a new health regime paid off in the PGA Tour’s season-opener.