Clarke to see if this patience thing can work

European and US Tours:Darren Clarke has admitted his form is frustrating, but he is determined to remain patient as he continues his search for a first European Tour win in more than three years.

That quest sees him make his debut in the Singapore Masters today, but, after a disappointing start to the year which has seen him slip to 52nd in the world rankings, the 38-year-old is not ready to panic just yet.

"It's definitely little small steps at the moment, which is a little bit frustrating, but I'll just keep on going," said Clarke, whose last victory came in the WGC NEC Invitational in August 2003.

"I have just got to keep on playing and doing what I am doing. I have not been known for my patience in the past, I have tried to force things a little too much, but at the minute I am having to be patient."

England's Nick Dougherty hopes a return to the scene of his maiden - and so far only - European Tour victory will give him a lift. The Liverpudlian won at Laguna National in 2005 and came within a stroke of retaining his title 12 months ago, but in the last 12 months has had only one top-10 finish, in December's New Zealand Open.

"It's a very special place and gives off a great 'vibe' as soon as you step off the plane," said the 24-year-old of his return to Singapore.

However, the 2002 Rookie of the Year will find a different test awaits on this visit as, for the first time, the co-sanctioned event with the Asian Tour will be played over both the traditional Masters course and the less familiar Classic track.

Clarke will partner Dougherty in the opening rounds.

Peter Lawrie, Gary Murphy and Damien McGrane are also in the enlarged field

Former European Ryder Cup player and Volvo Masters champion Pierre Fulke has announced his retirement at the age of 36.

"I'm not tired of golf but I'm tired of the travel," Fulke told the Swedish federation's website. "It feels good to sleep in my own bed."

The Swede won three times on the European Tour, including the Volvo Masters at Montecastillo in Spain.

Fulke was a member of the victorious Ryder Cup team at the Belfry in 2002, but gradually became more involved in course-design projects and played only six tour events last year.