Masters in mind as Clarke in for long haul

DARREN CLARKE is hoping his long-distance competitive journeys this fortnight will pay dividends with the reward of an invite into next April’s US Masters.

Clarke is contesting the back-to-back Australian Open beginning today at Royal Sydney and next week’s South African Open at Leopard Creek with the goal of breaking back inside the top 50 on the world rankings.

He arrived in Sydney for a first visit in 12 years lying 66th on the rankings and eager to achieve his Augusta goal.