Clarke boosted by wife’s health bulletin

Mark Garrod

The world number 13 plays in the Pebble Beach Pro-am in California with manager Andrew "Chubby" Chandler as his partner.

"Heather had her fourth bout of chemotherapy on Tuesday," Clarke revealed yesterday.

"We met with the oncologist beforehand and he told us the results have been dramatic and everything is working in the right direction. It's taken a lot out of her, but she is coping unbelievably well and keen for me to get playing again. My schedule will depend on how she progresses."

Clarke's one appearance since his wife's illness was diagnosed in November resulted in a fourth-place finish in the South African Open last month.

He will be in America for three weeks, also playing the Nissan Open in Los Angeles and then the Accenture World Match Play Championship in San Diego.

Clarke beat Tiger Woods in the 2000 final.

Meanwhile, Nick Faldo claims he has "no idea" whether he or Ian Woosnam will be picked to captain Europe's Ryder Cup team in 2006.

Bernhard Langer's decision not to seek a second term as captain at the K Club in Co Kildare appears to leave only Faldo and Woosnam in the running, despite Sandy Lyle and Jose Maria Olazabal expressing an interest in the role.

"I presume it's down to two of us now so we shall see what happens," said Faldo. "I can't do anything. It's purely down to the decision of the Tour."

The tournament committee will meet ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic on March 1 and expect to make an announcement the following day, although Faldo will not be there due to commitments in America.