A decision to begin working with a new coach delighted Darren Clarke on the opening day of the Portugal Masters at Vilamoura.

Clarke has began working with renowned Northern Ireland coach, Seamus Duffy.

Darren Clarke now working with ‘Darren Clarke Golf School’ coach, Seamus Duffy. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Duffy has specialised in coaching for the past 20 years, particularly using video assisted technologies.

Now one of the GUI Ulster Branch main coaches, Duffy has gained priceless experience from seminars with world renowned coaches – Butch Harmon & Peter Cowen.

He’s worked with the country’s finest young golfers, including British Amateur champion, Alan Dunbar,  at the Darren Clarke Golf School in Greenmount, he continues to offers specialised coaching and advice to help golfers improve their game.

Clarke posted an opening round of a one under par 71 that was capped when he holed an 8-iron for an eagle ‘two’ at the par four, ninth hole.

A check of Clarke’s stats for the first round indicates he hit 10 of 14 Oceanico Victoria course fairways and then 15 greens in regulation

However while Clarke looks to draw the benefits of working with Duffy it was once again the shortest club in his bag providing the biggest concern, and with the 2011 British Open champion posting 33 putts.