Clarke ready for Wentworth challenge

Darren Clarke, who could finally be finding a rich vein of form after flattering to deceive so far this season, is looking forward…

Darren Clarke, who could finally be finding a rich vein of form after flattering to deceive so far this season, is looking forward to some "real golf" the next four days.

Clarke discovered some much finished consistency in the TPC of Europe at Gut Kaden last week, shooting four rounds in the 60s to finish tied-eighth.

The Dungannon golfer will now be hoping to carry that form into the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth, a tournament and course he enjoys thoroughly.

"You need all the shots in the bag and you have to shape your shots around this course," said Clarke. "It's real golf and that's something to enjoy. It's taxing mentally and keeps you on your toes.

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"It's great to be back and the course is in the best condition I can remember it. I seem to have been saying it all year, but I've been hitting the ball really well and think it's just a case holing the putts.

"I hope it's this week because the Volvo PGA is a title that's very high on my list of priorities. It's right up there just below the Majors and World Golf Championships."

Clarke remains the only European to win a world golf title, beating Tiger Woods in the final of the 2000 Accenture World Match Play in California.

He has twice finished second at Wentworth and the last two seasons was eighth and seventh.

Thomas Bjorn, beaten by Padraig Harrington in a play-off in Germany on Sunday, concurred with Clarke on this week's test.

"There are not many harder courses in wind than Wentworth," commented Bjorn, trying to succeed fellow Dane Anders Hansen as champion.

"It swirls a lot. It is any caddie's nightmare and it definitely gives you an advantage if you've played here a few times.

"You need to know what you're doing out there. You need to keep control of the ball all the time."