Dubai: His ranking in the world notwithstanding, Darren Clarke could just be the man to beat in the forthcoming Dubai Desert Classic, being promoted and organised by 'golf in DUBAI.'
The Ryder Cup hero will join an elite star-cast, led by world number one Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and defending champion Henrik Stenson when the $2.5 million European Tour event gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club from January 29 to February 3.
The Ulsterman endured a horrid drought since returning to the game following the untimely death of his wife and, at present, is languishing at 204th in the World Rankings - an unthinkable record for a man believed by many to be the most naturally gifted player of his generation.
But the world knows and the fellow pros know it's only a matter of time before he makes it to the top 100 in the rankings, then the top 50. May be the top 10. Who knows? He's that talented and skilful.
The popular pro from Northern Ireland showed signs of returning to winning ways when he finished runner-up to British Open champion Padraig Harrington in the Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, in October last year.
Sizzling 66
"To finish second playing with the Open Champion in the last round sort of tells me that I can't be doing all that bad," said Clarke, who also shot a sizzling 66 in the second round of the Dunhill Links Championship.
"I'm more at peace with myself. I'm more comfortable with myself. I just want to play some good golf," he said during the recent Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
"I am trying to be a lot more consistent this year and am going to continue working on all things I have been working on. My policy is to work hard and just keep it going," said Clarke.
'golf in DUBAI' is backed by Dubal as the main partner and Emirates-NBD, Emaar, Jumeirah Hotels, Emirates airline, BMW, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Gulf News, Omega and CNN as partners.
