Open Championship winner Darren Clarke hopes to regain form with a new trainer
Northern Irishman Darren Clarke has finally decided to come out of his endless celebration spree that kicked off right after his victory at the Open Championship and has sought professional help to regain his form.
Clarke became the third Northern Irish major winner in a matter of just 13 months following the footsteps his much younger countrymen Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy. His major victory at the Royal St. George’s, Sandwich marked the zenith of his 20 year long struggle on the course.
Overwhelmed by the honour, Clarke went celebrating recklessly, constantly missing out events on the European tour.
His penchant for booze kept him off the course for a while and whenever he returned, he either missed the cut or fared badly over the weekend.
Clarke, for the moment, has decided to work his way up, taking a break from his previous habits.
Clarke wrote on his blog this week.
“My golf career has been extended somewhat by winning the Open Championship, and I just thought that enough is enough, and it was time to get myself into better shape. Therefore, my alcohol consumption is taking a massive dint...currently down to zero! However, no pain, no gain, and I'm very excited about the route that we're going down.” he wrote.
The Open champion will be tee-ing off at this week’s Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa, a invitation-only European Tour event and will be hoping to bag a strong finish if not a win at the sprawling Fancourt.
Clarke has taken a break from his unusual routine and has not been drinking since Christmas celebrations.
He has also hired Belfast-based trainer Jonny Bloomfield on recommendation of Lee Westwood’s trainer Steve MacGregor and hopes to regain his short game as well as strengthen his swing.
"Jonny's a sports scientist and he's got me doing all sorts in the gym, having my eyes checked out, nutrition etc," Clarke said.
Clarke has won 22 professional events in almost two decades long career. He turned professional in the year 1990 and has played strictly on the European Tour since then.
Clarke, alongside his countrymen McIlroy and McDowell have been instrumental in convincing the European Tour officials to relocate Irish Open to Royal Portrush.
The troika along with Padraig Harrington is also hoping to bring the Open Championship back to Portrush in the near future, although for the moment, Tour officials have denied undertaking any such plans.
Clarke, after his stellar victory at the Open Championship has earned him an undisputed playing status in the tournament till the age of 61 and he also has no fewer than five more visits left to the Masters at Augusta National.
The 43-year-old Northern Irishman will be hoping to bag more major titles before he calls it a day.
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