Darren Clarke was forced to pull out of the Deutsche Bank-SAP pro-am in Germany today and will be doubtful for tomorrow’s start after suffering a leg injury while doing a spot of fishing.
It’s odd to hear of someone incurring an injury from such a relaxing, non-strenuous pastime but the world number 14 tore a thigh muscle when he bent over to unhook a trout he had caught on the River Test in Hampshire on Monday.
The burly Tyroneman could only manage nine holes in practice yesterday before going for treatment. Clarke was then told he would be "extremely unlikely" to be fit for this week’s event and "very unlikely" to play in the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth next week.
"It's improved a lot in a day, though," said Clarke. "I'm going to wait until the morning to make a decision."
After foregoing his game with the amateurs in the pro-am the draw has, at least, worked in his favour. He doesn’t have to tee-off until 12.50 p.m. which will give him more time to receive treatment.
In context, Clarke had problems with his knees in recent weeks, forcing him to wear special supports while competing in the Seve Trophy at Druids Glen in April.
The following week he was forced to withdraw from the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship in Westport in order to recover in time for last weekend’s Benson and Hedges International Open. He subsequently shot rounds of 74 and 73 to miss the cut at the Belfry.