In Darren Clarke’s first competitive round since his wife, Heather, died of cancer, the Northern Irishman finished four-under par at the Madrid Masters, a score that will encourage his teammates on Europe’s Ryder Cup team.
A contentious wild card choice to face the United States next week, Clarke carded five birdies and only one bogey in his first game since missing the cut at the British Open two months ago. In an analysis that will further hearten his Ryder Cup captain, Ian Woosnam, Clarke implied he would have returned an even lower score with more recent practise.
“With a warm putter I would have been a lot better,” he said. “I hit 17 greens but I had 31 putts. The greens were a bit slow, not just for me but my playing-partners as well.”
Contrary to fears that he has returned to golf too quickly since his bereavement - Heather passed away a month ago after a long battle with cancer - Clarke began confidently and hit two birdies in the first four holes in a round of 68.
“I’m not sure I had butterflies but you’re always a little bit apprehensive before any round,” he said. “I wanted to get off to a good start and I did.”
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“I’ve been trying to win for Heather but it doesn’t always happen.”
Thomas Bjorn, who narrowly missed out a Ryder Cup wild card, played alongside Clarke, finishing a shot behind him. He confirmed Clarke looked in good condition. “He’ll be all right; he’ll be fine,” he said.
Jose Maria Olazabal, another member of the Ryder Cup team, finished on one-under par in a round marred by two double-bogeys.