Clarke rings changes to get back in swing

DARREN CLARKE has embarked on a series of drastic changes in a bid to start climbing the world rankings and challenging for majors again.

As well as switching back to Butch Harmon best known as coach to Tiger Woods - the Ryder Cup star has parted company with caddie Billy Foster.

Clarke has also just signed a deal to play Taylor-Made clubs and hopes to show a better attitude on the course after receiving a five-page letter over Christmas from American sports psychologist Bob Rotella.

The 34-year-old Dungannon man had only one victory last season the English Open and has slid to 27th in the world from a career-best ninth.

"There have been some very difficult decisions to make, but last year was very frustrating and I just want to get back to winning ways."

It is the second time Clarke has dropped coach Peter Cowen and he is flying out on Thursday to link up once more with Harmon before playing in next week's Buick Invitational in California.

"I think the world of Peter, but I found myself getting too technical. I'm playing a bit more in the States this year, so that will make seeing Butch easier."

After having Foster as his caddie for the last six years Clarke now has fellow Irishman JP Fitzgerald on his bag. Fitzgerald was previously with Ryder Cup team-mate Paul McGinley, but they had already agreed to split.

Clarke told manager Andrew Chandler that his call to Foster to end their partnership was the toughest he has ever had made.

The clubs deal, meanwhile, comes after a period when Clarke was a free agent.

"After the first year that proved to be to my detriment," he commented. "I had too many choices and I was having a go with a new driver whenever they came out."

As for the mental side of the game, Clarke said that Rotella's letter made him feel that "he knows me better than I do.

"There were lots of bits and pieces, but basically he reminded me that I'm not patient enough and that I should wait for things to happen on the course rather than force them.

"Hopefully Bob along with everything else can give me that little bit extra. I want to get back to being in with a chance of a major.

"I've been down a couple of tunnels thinking there was light at the end of them when there wasn't."

Off-the-course matters have also affected Clarke, he believes. His wife Heather underwent treatment for breast cancer last year and they and their two young children are currently renting a house.

"It's a building site at the moment. There are five skips outside the front door and we won't be back in for three months."