The golfing gods are most definitely conspiring against Darren Clarke these days and the latest incident in a catalogue of misfortunes comes with today's news that he was forced to withdraw from this week's Irish Open which gets under way at Adare Manor in Limerick on Thursday.
Clarke has not only missed a string of cuts in recent times but he also sustained a hamstring injury last month (when playing football with his sons Tyrone and Conor) which forced him to withdraw from last week's Players' Championship at Sawgrass and the PGA Tour's Wachovia Championship the previous week.
Now, on the eve of his own national championship, the 38-year-old hasn't even made it to the starting line as he was forced to withdraw on medical advice. Unless he rests and has intensive treatment on the hamstring problem he was told he could further aggravate the condition and risk his immediate future.
"It is with great reluctance and an equal amount of sorrow that I have to withdraw from this week's Irish Open," said Clarke from his Surrey home tonight. "To say I'm disappointed is putting it mildly. I so wanted to compete for Ireland's national title so this is another blow on top of many recent frustrations.
"If I had played this week, I would have risked further damage and probably turned it into a long-term injury," added the Ryder Cup star. "Now I have the chance of being fit to return at Wentworth next week for the BMW PGA Championship."
MRI scans and medical specialists revealed that Clarke has a problem at the top of his right hamstring which requires further rest and treatment.
Clarke was very much in contention in last year's event at Carton House before his good friend Thomas Bjorn took his chance and won at the weather-delayed event. It was at the Maynooth venue 12 months ago where Clarke won the hearts and respect of many.
The Tyrone man had flashed a drive into deep rough before the claxon sounded to end play but on returning the next morning his lie was clearly improved by spectators overnight and would have been able to reach the green. However, Clarke refused to take advantage and played the recovery shot he originally intended and made bogey on the hole.
That act of sportsmanship eventually cost Clarke the tournament and now, 12 months on, he has been denied his chance to compete in front of home crowds.
"I feel gutted not to play in the Irish Open especially after coming so close last year. I'm really down in the dumps after so many recent setbacks, but I have to make sure I get fit as soon as I possibly can," said Clarke.
Former European Tour physio Jonathan Shrewsbury, whose clients include several Premiership football clubs and London Irish, will assist with Clarke's rehabilitation.
