Flawless Clarke gets off to a flying start

DARREN CLARKE shot one of the finest rounds of his golfing career at Augusta National yesterday when a six under par 66 enabled him to open up a three-stroke lead after the first round of the 67th Masters.

His nearest pursuers were Sergio Garcia and the 22-year-old US amateur champion Ricky Barnes (who outscored his playing partner Tiger Woods by an incredible seven strokes) while next best on 70 were Nick Price and Mike Weir.

Sadly, it was a disastrous day for Pádraig Harrington, who managed only a single birdie in a five over 77 that leaves him with a major battle on his hands to qualify for the closing two rounds.