Clarke: Woods class inspires rest

Darren Clarke believes the “incredible” form of world number one Tiger Woods is a spur to each and every professional golfer.

Clarke, who warmed up for this week’s Maybank Malaysian Open by playing with royalty at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club near Kuala Lumpur yesterday, can only admire the unrivalled ability of his sport’s own regal presence.

Woods once again outclassed his competitors at last month’s Accenture World Match Play in Arizona – proving Clarke’s point once more.

“He sets the standard for all the rest of us,” said the Ulsterman.

“That’s why you see the guys working so hard and practising to try and catch up with the standard he has set and keeps on setting.

“It is incredible how he is playing at the moment.

“Some of the golf he is playing is incredible.

“Even when he hits his poor shots he is so mentally stronger than anybody else he just gets on with things and gets the job done.

“That’s the incredible thing – he keeps going. He did that against JB Holmes and he just steps up when he needs to. It is incredible.”

Clarke, who will not have to try to beat Woods this week, had the experience of a lifetime when he partnered the King of Malaysia in the pro-am tournament.

“I was very privileged to play with the King,” he said.

“He played very well, and the team played.

“He is pretty good – very relaxed and laid back – and we had a good morning.

As for Woods, Clarke reports all he and the rest can do is try to outdo the master.

“No matter what sport it is, you always want to compete against the best and beat the best,” he said.

“He is the best, and we are all trying to beat him. If you don’t want to try and do that then don’t go and play.”