May15 Clarkepullsout

Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke has withdrawn from this week’s Irish Open at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort on health and safety grounds.

Medical experts advised the 38-year-old Ulsterman that unless he rests and has intensive treatment on a hamstring problem he could further aggravate the condition and risk his immediate future.

Said Clarke: “It is with great reluctance and an equal amount of sorrow that I have to withdraw from this week’s Irish Open.

“To say I’m disappointed is putting it mildly. I badly wanted to compete for Ireland’s national title so this is another blow on top of many recent frustrations.

“But if I had played this week, I would have risked further damage and probably turned it into a long-term injury. Now at least I have the chance of being fit to return at Wentworth next week for the BMW PGA Championship.”

MRI scans and medical specialists revealed that Clarke has a problem at the top of his right hamstring which requires further rest and treatment.

Clarke damaged his hamstring playing football with his sons Tyrone and Conor and was forced to pull out after the first round of the Wachovia tournament and after six holes of last week’s Players’ Championship.

He added: “I feel gutted not to play in the Irish Open especially after coming so close last year. I’m really down in the dumps after so many recent setbacks, but I have to make sure I get fit as soon as I possibly can.”

Assisting with his rehabilitation will be former European Tour physio Jonathan Shrewsbury, whose clients include several Premiership football clubs and the London Irish RU team.

* Footnote: Clarke’s injury problems could also be your problem if he’s part of your Fantasy League team. If he is, at least you’ve still got time on your side to make the necessary change to your line-up…click here

Photo: By Getty Images