Former Open Champion, Darren Clarke will be fit to take his place in next week’s inaugural Pearl Golf Premier League despite being involved in a car accident that ruled him out of this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Clarke suffered a cricked neck in the accident believed to have taken place in the area close to his Portrush residence.

Darren Clarke out of this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic due to car crash. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

While Clarke was not at the wheel of the car at the time, it’s not the first time the Northern Irishman has been involved in a motor vehicle mishap.

In May 2007 Clarke suffered severe bruising when he flipped his 250cc off-road buggy in a field close to his then Surrey residence.

In January 2004 Clarke had only just taken delivery of a £50,000 high-speed trike Christmas and immediately crashed it into the wall of his garage.

He said at the time:  “”I had a moment to make up my mind; hit the Ferrari or the house.”

However after this latest accident his ISM manager, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler indicated Clarke will be fine to take his place in next week’s exciting new event in India.

“Darren’s suffering a cricked neck from the car smash and just needed the rest this week but he will be fine to travel to India,” said Chandler.

Clarke will be one of 24 players contesting the three days event at Aamby Valley golf course near Pune from February 7-10.

The India event has as a prize pot of $US 400,500 and a winner’s purse of $US 250,000. Teams will play three 14-hole rounds with seven rounds during the day and seven under lights.

Clarke will join fellow Major winners Michael Campbell, Rich Beem and Angel Cabrera contesting the event.