Thursday, April 20, 2006

A News Report on Darren Clarke

Humble, TX (Sports Network) - Darren Clarke finished his first round at the Shell Houston Open on Thursday, then withdrew from the tournament to return home to be with his wife, who is battling cancer.

"Upon receiving results from ongoing medical tests of his wife Heather, Darren Clarke has withdrawn from the Shell Houston Open to return home outside London to discuss further treatment with Heather and her doctors," read a statement issued by the PGA.

Clarke finished a round of four-under-par 68 and was two shots off the lead when he withdrew.

Heather Clarke was originally diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago.

In 2005, Clarke took much of the season off to be with his wife as she underwent chemotherapy. He played in just 12 events, but was granted a special release from completing his 15 required tournaments.

Clarke is an 11-time winner on the European Tour. Two of those titles -- the 2000 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and the 2003 WGC-NEC Invitational -- count towards the PGA Tour.

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