Clarke reveals trim new look for 2014

A chance meeting late last year with a Dublin-based gym owner has seen former British Open champion Darren Clarke lose more than three stone.

A perspiration-soaked Clarke was near unrecognisable hitting balls on a makeshift practice range behind the Kings Park Stadium, home to Natal Sharks Super Rugby side, and across the road from Durban Country Club which hosts this week’s elite Volvo Champions event.

In meeting up with Clarke for a first time this season, he laughed off questions such as: “Where has the other half of you gone?” and “Excuse me. Have you seen Darren Clarke?”