Clarke seeks 2011 kick-start in Africa
The 42-year-old is part of a strong field assembled in East London, with high-profile South African trio Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Retief Goosen also competing for the €158,500 top prize.
Clarke is currently on a two-year winless streak having last tasted success at the 2008 KLM Open, but there has been plenty of promise over the last two seasons.
And the Irishman is hoping that the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event at the East London club in South Africa will bring with it a change of luck. “It’s been two years since I won but I am determined to break back and I hope the Africa Open will give me the kind of kick-start it did in 2009,” said Clarke.
“It’s always great to start the season with a solid result and I’m looking forward to getting on the right track.”
His reference to 2009 coincides with his second-place finish that year after pushing eventual winner Goosen all the way over the closing holes when the tournament was not yet part of the European Tour schedule.
Clarke added: “I have enjoyed starting my season with the Africa Open the last two years.
“In 2009 I had a pretty good result and last year’s Africa Open sparked a return to form for me, so I’m really looking forward to playing in East London.
“I’m hitting the ball as well as ever but just not scoring as well as I should be. My consistency is getting better and I’ve got to keep working on that.”
Meanwhile Graeme McDowell and Hunter Mahan will renew their Ryder Cup rivalry when the 2011 US Tour gets under way in Hawaii today.
McDowell famously beat Mahan in the final singles match at Celtic Manor in October, securing a one-point victory for the European side.
“Since the Ryder Cup we’ve gained much more of a mutual respect for each other. He handled it very well,” McDowell said.
“In some ways that has brought up closer together. I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
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