2/11/2015

Sunshine for Clarke at Dimension Data

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Darren Clarke has put his name down for the upcoming Dimension Data Pro-Am, where the Ulsterman will compete against the Sunshine Tour’s best.

Clarke won the 2001 Di-Data Pro-Am when it was still played at Sun City. Now, 13 years later, the R4,5-million tournament plays out across Fancourt’s three courses, namely The Links, Montagu and Outeniqua. There is a cut after 54 holes and then the final round is played at Montagu.

The Northern Irishman has long been a fan of South Africa and he’ll look to reignite his career at Fancourt in a week’s time. He’s claimed 14 European Tour victories and two World Golf Championship titles, but most impressive was his victory at Royal St. George’s in 2011.

“Winning again a priority for this year,” the 46-year-old said. “It’s been nearly four years since I lifted the Claret Jug and I just want to get back in the winner’s circle again.”

Clarke has been eyeing the chance to captain Europe at the Ryder Cup, but there is a strong sentiment among the players that their leader should be a current player on tour. He’ll want a victory in order to secure that leader’s spot at the Ryder Cup, which he has competed at five times.

The place for him to get back on track is South Africa, which he has frequented since 1991. At the 2001 Di-Data Pro-Am Clarke shot 71 during the final round at Gary Player Country Club and edged out a flying Tjaart van der Walt, who raced around in 66 to finish second.

For Clarke it’s about getting back to his best with a victory, but the locals will not go down without a fight. Either way the 2011 Open Champion is happy to be back.

“South Africa has always been a favourite stop and the country is very special. The crowds are amazing and very supportive,” he said.

McGinley and Streets of San Francisco


Paul McGinley flew to San Francisco on Monday, three days ahead of his appearance in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and on arrival chose visit to Ocean Beach.

McGinley went for a walk with a friend to “get a bit of fresh air” and followed that with lunch at the Cliff House. When he returned however to his rented SUV McGinley found his back window had been shattered.

“All my stuff was taken,” he said Tuesday in a telephone interview.

Gone were his travel bag, custom TaylorMade clubs, equipment, carry-on bag, travel documents and passport. The thief also took Ryder Cup mementos McGinley planned to auction for charity.

"I was just disappointed. I had only been in the country an hour and a half.

"It can happen in any country, or city in the world. I thought it was safe, and it didn't cross my mind."