Golf News: - Posted 12th February 1998

Clarke's on the move

London, England - Darren Clarke is finally getting around to hitting golf balls again after spending the past few weeks moving into a new house in Sunningdale, Surrey and also tying up a number of sponsorship agreements.

The 29-year-old Ulsterman who last season finished fourth on the European tours money list, including a tied second place finish in the Open at Royal Troon and a part in Europe's Ryder Cup win at Valderrama today signed a contract to become touring professional for the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links course in Dublin.

"I have hardly been able to practise for the past three or four weeks as I've been so busy doing other things," said Clarke, who has signed a clothing contract with Italian company, Conte of Florence

"However, I plan to start my season in the Malaysian open next week and, then, hopefully, go on to the Desert Classic in Dubai and the Qatar Masters." He also plans more visits to America. The Portmarnock Links course, designed by Bernhard Langer, intends to apply to host to the Ryder Cup when it is staged in Ireland in 2005.

1998 Press Association