Profile / Editor / 16 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Darren Clarke has been forced to withdraw from this week's Irish Open as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.
The Ulsterman has been struggling with the problem for the last month and lasted just six holes of last week's Players Championship before he was forced to withdraw.

The 38-year-old has now been told by doctors not to figure at Adare Manor as he needs rest and recuperation to make sure he makes a full recovery.

"It is with great reluctance and an equal amount of sorrow that I have to withdraw from this week's Irish Open," Clarke revealed.
"To say I'm disappointed is putting it mildly. I so wanted to compete for Ireland's national title, so this is another blow on top of many recent frustrations.

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

"I feel gutted not to play in the Irish Open, especially after coming so close last year (he finished third after leading with nine holes to play).

"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."
Padraig Harrington is favourite at 9 to win the tournament with Lee Westwood trading at 14, while last year's winner Thomas Bjorn is available at 21 to retain his crown.