A chest injury sustained on the practice range late yesterday has ruined Darren Clarke’s 500th European Tour.
Clarke was all set to be honored in becoming the 25th player to have contested 250 European Tour events but with the injury forcing him out before teeing up in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
The former Open Champion was set to tee up alongside defending champion, Chris Wood and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Sweden’s Jens Dantorp replaces the injured Darren Clarke. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Instead Sweden’s Jens Dantorp has taken Clarke’s place.
Clarke had arrived at the course earlier today but after hitting just a few balls on the practice putting green he advised officials he was not fit enough to play.
Clarke, who was set to become the 25th player to compete in 500 Tour events, then headed back to his hotel and a flight home.
“It’s disappointing Darren’s had to withdraw as the Tour was looking forward to honoring Darren’s 500th tournament with a presentation before he teed off this morning,” said David Probyn, Tournament Director.
“We will just have to wait now to Darren next competes in a European Tour event.”
Clarke is next entered to contest the PGA Tour’s Northern Trust Open commencing on February 13th at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.
However his next European Tour counting event, and what will now be his 500th tournament, will be the April 10th starting Masters at Augusta National and with Clarke taking up the third year of a five-year exemption in capturing the 2011 British Open.
AND former US Open winner, Michael Campbell has also withdrawn without teeing off.
The New Zealander cited an on-going ankle injury but as there is no replacements his intended group of Thomas Levet and Anthony Wall will play as a two-ball.
