Clarke looks for flying start at Joburg Open

Darren Clarke is looking to kick-start his bid for a sixth successive Ryder Cup appearance with a good performance in next week’s Joburg Open in South Africa.

The 39-year-old was due to play in the Royal Trophy in Thailand but a 15-day period of mourning to mark the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s elder sister means the match play tournament between Europe and Asia has been postponed.

Clarke has moved quickly to ensure he will still have competitive action by signing up for the South African event, co-sanctioned between the European and Sunshine Tours, which starts at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club on Thursday.

“I went to South Africa before Christmas because I felt I needed to get competitive again and played pretty well in both events (the Alfred Dunhill Championship and South African Airways Open),” said the four-time Ryder Cup winner.

“I always enjoy my trips to South Africa and can’t wait to play. I’ve worked hard over Christmas and I'm now looking forward to getting my year off to a fast start and putting myself into the Ryder Cup picture.”