Clarke returns home

Darren Clarke, whose wife Heather is battling cancer, withdrew from the Volvo Masters after his second round at Valderrama today.

Clarke had rounds of 76 and 75 to be nine over par and close to last of the 55 competitors at the halfway stage, then said: “Valderrama is not the course to be playing when your mind is elsewhere.

“Volvo are such great sponsors on our tour that I didn’t want to let them down by pulling out before their flagship event started, even though I knew it was going to be a struggle.

“I tried on every shot, but unless your mind is totally on what you are doing the results can be professionally soul-destroying. I have decided I will be better off at home.”

The Ulsterman has taken two month-long breaks from the game this season to support his wife and earlier this month decided not to fly to America for two tournaments there as it took him too far from home.

Manager Andrew Chandler has already spoken to US Tour commissioner Tim Finchem about the fact the Ryder Cup star has not completed the minimum 15 events required for membership there.

He played only 12, but has been told his membership for next season will not be rescinded.

Clarke’s next appearance is due to be his defence of his Visa Taiheiyo Masters in Japan in two weeks’ time.

Mel Pyatt, president of Volvo Event Management, commented: “Obviously we’re very sad that Darren cannot participate, but we fully understand the situation at home and hope that everything will progress very positively for him and his wife.”