Darren Clarke has Masters in mind

After weeks of dealing with Ryder Cup captaincy matters, Darren Clarke can at least for the next fortnight get back to focusing fully on his chosen profession.

That begins today with the Shell Houston Open and a week later teeing up in what will be his 13th Masters and taking up the fourth of his five-year exemption after capturing the 2011 Open Championship.

Clarke had been due to play a practice round on Tuesday against rival USA Team captain Davis Love III on this week’s Golf Club of Houston host course, but the American texted Clarke on Monday indicating he was undergoing surgery on an injured right toe.