Darren Clarke could be facing more than just a groin strain with fears he may be carrying a hernia that would result in surgery.

Clarke admitted he was still in considerable discomfort after carding a respectable one over par 73 on day one of the 2012 Masters.

Clarke earned a five year return to Augusta National in capturing last year’s British Open title but has struggled appreciably to duplicate his Royal St. George’s winning efforts.

Then last week he limped off after two rounds of the Shell Houston Open.

He was met by one of his physio team following his round in Houston but declined suggestions to visit a doctor and assess the full nature of his injury.

Clarke continues to decline to visit a doctor and with his manager Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler indicating the problem has all the hallmarks of a hernia.

“Darren’s always been so stubbon that he would never want to visit a doctor but it could easily be a hernia,” said Chandler.

“It seems to be the symptons of a hernia.”

Clarke recorded just one birdie at the 13th but also three bogeys and ended his round with five straight pars.

“Today was the same old story as I gave myself plenty of chances but also had 33 putts,” he said.

“Luckily I made a good four up the last so that was nice way to finish.

“All in all it was good but should have been better.  But when you hit inside 10 feet you should be converting those and the only one I did convert was that four footer on the last.”

Clarke was taking pain killers throughout his round and indicating:  “It’s still sore and I’m eating Advils.  I will keep taking the pain killers.”

And when also asked if he was looking forward to the second round he said:  “No, not particularly.”