Clarke offers support to Mickelsons

DARREN CLARKE is acutely aware of the life-changing scenario when your wife is diagnosed with breast cancer. Little wonder then that Clarke offered immediate support to Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, after she was diagnosed with the disease.

Mickelson met his wife when they were both attending Arizona State University. She was also a cheerleader for the Phoenix Suns and Mickelson was a budding golf star. The couple now have three children with youngest being Evan who was born in 2003

The cancer was diagnosed after an “extensive battery of tests”, according to Mickelson’s PR manager, TR Reinman.

Mickelson has put his golf on hold to be by the side of his wife, including withdrawing from next week’s defence of his Crowne Plaza Invitational in Texas.

The current world number two is expected also to miss next month’s US Open and could be in doubt for the July 16 start to the British Open at Turnberry.

Clarke’s own wife, Heather, died of the disease three years ago and just a few weeks before the Dungannon golfer was picked by Ian Woosnam as one his European Ryder Cup wildcard picks.

Despite being on the opposing side, Clarke revealed the Mickelsons were a great support to him during the week of the Ryder Cup at the K Club.

“I really feel for Phil because I know what he and Amy are going through,” said Clarke after carding a 71 for a one over par tally at the halfway mark of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

“Having been through it I understand probably more than a lot of people but then there have been a lot of people who have suffered.

“Phil is a good friend. He and Amy helped me through my last Ryder Cup when I was walking on and off at the opening and closing ceremony.

“Amy took my arm and walked me over to the opposing players and their wives, and Amy got in the middle of the team and said some really nice words.”

Clarke finally broke a recent ‘Burma Road’ hoodoo courtesy of a BMW PGA second round that included five birdies but also four bogeys.

Clarke had missed the cut in his last three appearances at Wentworth and arrived at Tour HQ earlier this week languishing well down in 111th place on the Race to Dubai money list.

“I played really nicely all day but if I hit it a slightly off shot I was paying a big penalty for it,” he said.