Clarke: I need to get fitter

DARREN CLARKE has vowed to get fitter as he bids to improve on recent disappointments.

A pacesetting 66 in the first round of the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth yesterday was followed by a frank admission from the Irishman listed at 16-and-a half-stone by the European Tour that his fitness was the main reason he did not win the Masters.

Clarke led by three after an opening 66 at Augusta, but because of bad weather had to play 28 holes on Friday and 26 on Saturday. By the time it was over he was nine behind and out of the hunt.