Clarke hopes for South African revival

Darren Clarke hopes a return to South Africa in the Joburg Open today will help him to build the momentum gained during his visit last month.

After a two-month break, Clarke enjoyed a solid comeback to the game by finishing 33rd at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and then followed that up by coming third at the South African Airways Open.

It marked an encouraging comeback for Clarke after a tough 18 months which saw him lose his wife Heather to breast cancer in August 2006 and his form understandably slide.

However, the 39-year-old – who is only in the South African field after the postponement of The Royal Trophy in Bangkok – believes he is now back and hopes to build on his last two performances at the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event.

“I played really well at Leopard Creek (the Alfred Dunhill),” said Clarke. “I just had nine bad holes in the last round, which saw me slip down the field a little.

“I was struggling with the putter, both at Leopard Creek and at Pearl Valley (SAA Open), but overall I played very well.

“I was happy with how I performed and I want to build on that. I want to get back into contention again and hopefully, rustle up some wins.”

Clarke also has another secret weapon, which he revealed was a key part to the sudden improvement of his game.

“I’m playing with a new TaylorMade ball, a number 18, which I used in those two weeks here in South Africa before the end of the year,” he added.

“I’m very excited about this ball – it’s given me the ability to control my ball a lot better, so I’m really keen to get going again. My ball striking is getting better and better.”