Northern Ireland's Darren
Clarke has admitted that he is tempted to play on the US PGA Tour
more this year because it is of a higher standard.
The world number 11 has
proved his ability to play throughout the world - he beat Tiger
Woods to win the Andersen Consulting World MatchPlay last year -
but Clarke is convinced that playing more tournaments in the States
will improve his game.
"The standard there is
a bit higher than on the European Tour, and that would obviously
be beneficial for my game," Clarke said on the eve of the first
round of the South African Open at the East London Golf Club.
"I'll probably give it
a go this year. If you don't try it, you don't know how good you
are. The PGA Tour is where the world's best golfers are playing.
Darren
Clarke in action at the English Open. Allsport.
"It's a chance to compete
against the best. It's not about the money. It's about competing
against the best and trying to win tournaments," Clarke said.
One aspect that the Ulsterman,
who finished runner-up to Lee Westwood in Europe's Order of Merit
last year, will not be adopting is the strict diet regime that many
Americans adhere to.
"Fitness and weight seems
to be an issue in the game right now, but I'm quite happy the way
I am. I lost a little bit towards the end of last year, but I'm
happy enough on the golf course."
Clarke says his main aim
for the new year is to improve on his short game and be more relaxed
on the golf course.
"My putting was average
last year, and I wasted too many shots around the greens. As a result,
I didn't win as much as I would've liked. I want to win more tournaments
this year.
"I was also trying too
hard last year. This year, I'd like to be more relaxed on the golf
course," he said.
