As Darren Clarke played his first practice round on Tuesday morning in preparation for the World Series of Golf, which starts today over the south course at Firestone Country Club, his manager, Andrew Chandler, was busy in more ways than one. Chandler, who walked every step of the way over the 7,149 yards course with Clarke and his other star client, England's Lee Westwood, has the job of fitting in 14 tournaments for Clarke to compete in on the US Tour next year, alongside his commitments to the European Tour. "I've got the 1998 schedule with me and I'm trying to determine which tournaments Darren and Lee will be able to play in out here early next year," said Chandler.

Yesterday morning Clarke and Chandler met US Tour officials to confirm their intentions for 1998.

Clarke's victory in the German Masters at the end of last season qualified him to play in this exclusive event, as the World Series is open only to tournament winners from around the world over the preceding 12 months. The purse is $2,200,000, with the winner taking home a cheque for $396,000, and, since there is no halfway cut, even the last man takes home $15,600.