All about playing smart, says slim, trim and happy Clarke

Darren Clarke is hoping his happiness off the course can translate to success on it as he goes in search of a second Claret Jug in today’s opening round of The Open Championship at Hoylake.

The 2011 Open champion is staying trim, having shed nearly three stones and a wardrobe of clothes over the winter and considers himself fortunate to have been given a second chance at marital bliss with his bride of two years Alison following the death in 2005 of first wife Heather, mother of his sons Tyrone and Conor.

Now all that is missing is another shot at golfing greatness and, as far as Clarke, 45, is concerned, there is no better place than a links course to get his game in the right shape.