Darren Clarke has gained a late acceptance into the Bay Hill Invitational in two weeks through the intervention of Lee Westwood. Earlier this week, Clarke was informed that no places were available, despite his status as the world's 17th ranked player.

This prompted Westwood, who was already an invitee, to phone Arnold Palmer, the father figure of the tournament. "I told him that I was ringing on behalf of my friend, Darren," said Westwood yesterday.

Paul McGinley's wife, Allison, has given birth to their first child, a daughter, Niamh.