Clarke says US Open is out of reach

DARREN CLARKE, looking for a boost to his confidence, admits that even a victory this weekend at the British Masters, will not do much for his chances of winning the US Open next week.

He confessed the odds were against him in America and said: “I think I would need to look through a pretty thick pair of glasses to see myself winning a US Open. But I would certainly like to see if I can give myself a chance,” said Clarke.

“There has been no European winner since Tony Jacklin (1970). Those sort of conditions where the rough is as thick as it is, it is something we are just not used to.

We are accustomed to bumping and running from 100 yards on a links course but not the thick rough that we have in every US Open,” he added.

Clarke’s best finish in the US Open was tied for 10th in 1999 but few doubt that a win here this Sunday could see him being a serious contender at Olympia Fields next week.

A win this week would also mean he has found a solution to his putting woes which have cost him dearly this season.

Two weeks ago at the PGA Championship Clarke, who is flying to the US with Justin Rose by private jet on Sunday evening, was superb from tee to green but he said:

“I think I led greens in regulation but I think I’m currently 113th in putting which is something I have to address.”

Another problem Clarke has overcome is his temper but he refuses to go into detail about the work he has done with sports psychologist John Pate.

“He was working on the mental game, that’s all I am going to say about it but he has helped me a great deal.”

Also looking for a confidence boost is Colin Montgomerie who had a miserable start to his season in the United States where he could not manage to make a cut and finally came back to Europe to rediscover his game.

The Scot, who is paired with Clarke for the first two rounds, admitted he felt more comfortable in Europe and his latest performances supports his claim that his game is coming back to what it used to be.

Ryder Cup player Thomas Bjorn has withdrawn from the event after cutting his hand peeling some fruit.

But the Dane, who had one stitch inserted after the knife slipped, is not thought to be in danger of missing the US Open.