Early start for Clarke

Darren Clarke was busy trying to make up for lost time on the eve of The Masters today.

The Open champion, back at Augusta for the first time since 2007, was among the last players to arrive after injuring his groin at the Houston Open last Friday and taking a few days’ rest.

Clarke went out to practise just before 5pm yesterday and was back on the course at 8am this morning – with not a single spectator watching him at first.

That was because the gates were kept closed for a while as damage caused by a violent late-night thunderstorm was assessed.

More downpours were expected later in the day and for the first two days of the tournament.

Tiger Woods, as per usual, was also among the early starters on the final day of practice.