Darren Clarke returns to competition for a first time since the Ryder Cup with one goal at this week’s Asian Tour Macau Open – hit the ball straight.

For a first time since early 2015 Clarke can tee-up without the pressure of being the European Captain.

The Northern Irishman has joined Australia’s Scott Hend, South African Branden Grace along with England’s Ian Poulter in the $US 1.1m event.

And it was a very relaxed Clarke, despite the disappointment of putting in so much work into seeking a fourth straight European Ryder Cup success, who spoke of returning to Macau for a first time he believed in some 15 years.

“The last time I was here, I thought it was 15 years ago but obviously it’s longer,” he said.

“We played nine holes this morning with Ian Poulter and the trees are a lot bigger than they were the last time I was here. We used to take some short cuts the last time but I don’t think we can do that here now.

“On my last trip here, I really enjoyed myself. I probably enjoyed myself more the last time when I was here so this time, I’ll try to play a bit better. It’s always a pleasure to come back here.”

Of course, Clarke is looking for a first success since winning twice in 2011 including victory in golf’s oldest Major at Royal St. George’s.

And the Ulsterman is hopeful of a good showing now that he no longer carries the burden of European Ryder Cup captain.

“My priorities the past 18 months to two years have been towards the Ryder Cup,” he said.

“Obviously, that’s now finished and from my own perspective and from the European perspective, we had a disappointing result.

“I couldn’t have done any more than I tried to do. Now I’ve got to get back to the day job and try to hit a golf ball and hit it straight.

“As you can see from the guys sitting here on the stage, you know the standard of which they play, you know we’ll have a fantastic champion here again. From a personal point of view, we’ve got to get back to where it got me there in the first place, which is to play golf. I couldn’t think of a better place to do that than starting here in Macao.

“It’s almost like a fresh start for me again in terms of playing and I’m excited to be back here.”