Fellow Open Champion Darren Clarke, and one of Tiger Woods’ closest friends, says observers should not read too much into his indifferent efforts at the Phoenix Open.
The 14-time Major winning Woods slumped to his worst-ever score since turning professional in late 1996.
Clarke himself has struggled since winning golf’s oldest Major in 2011 at Royal St. Georges.
In fact, the now 46-year old and widely tipped to become Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain, has not had one top-10 in 55 events on the European Tour with a best finish being T12th in the 2013 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
“It would be wrong to read anymore into how Tiger player in Phoenix other than to say that anytime you make major swing changes in your game you are going to have to crawl before you walk,” said Clarke.
Darren Clarke, and one of Tiger Woods’ closest friends said it would be ‘foolish’ to write of the 14-time Major winner despite his 82 at Phoenix Open. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
“It may be find on the practice range but you only find out what’s really happening in your game in competition.
“If Tiger makes changes in his game then he does so for a reason. He’s the best player in the world and his perseverance, and along with his dedication will ensure you’ll find him back up at the pointed end of a leader board and not down at the bottom.
“So I am not at all surprised or shocked as that would be foolish, and if you’re making changes in your game then you’re making changes.
“So he’ll be fine, and he’s too good a player not to.”
And Clarke has spoken also of his enthusiasm in again competing in all four Majors this year, and the fourth of a five year exemption into the Masters, US Open and PGA Championship in capturing the 2011 Open Championship and an event he is exempt until age 60.
“I’m really looking forward to all the Majors this year and particularly Whistling Straits and the PGA Championship venue, as I led the first round there in the 2004 PGA, so I’ve still got fond memories of that effort.
“A St. Andrews Open is always special as the Home of Golf and this year will be my fifth Open there so that is something I look forward to very much.
“I also haven’t missed a cut at St. Andrews and remember playing really well finishing seventh behind Tiger (Woods) in the 2000 Open.
“Then there’s the Masters and what else can I say about Augusta National that hasn’t been said before.
“The only venue that’s new, and it will be the same for the majority of those competing, is Chalmers Bay and the venue for the US Open.
“Having won The Open in 2011 it again means my season will be scheduled around the Majors.”
After missing the halfway cut in the Dubai Desert Classic Clarke Clarke will next tee-up, and with his 16-year old eldest son Tyrone as his amateur partner, in the February 19th commencing Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt on the South African Sunshine Tour.
Clarke is then remaining in South Africa for the following week’s Joburg Open, a co-sanctioned tournament with the European Tour.
