Expert Player tuition inspires Clarke to 66

A LESSON from legend Gary Player spurred Darren Clarke to his best performance at the Nedbank Challenge, a magnificent 66, just one shot off leaders Kenny Perry and Fiji’s Vijay Singh.

The tips that Player, the course designer, provided especially on how to play the short game heralded a magnificent turn around for Clarke and put him in the frame for the huge winner's cheque of just over 1 million.

A solid 34 on the front nine opened things up, but he sneaked in almost unnoticed as most of the spectators were keeping an eye on defending champion Ernie Els, who shot a disappointing 72, or on the Perry and Singh show, with both rattling in the birdies.