Clarke waits for new beginning in 2010

"New year? new beginning."most of people have the same idea?for golfer Darren Clarke?it is also correct.

The Northern Irishman is among a handful of high-profile players assembled in the South African coastal city for the competition, which is making its first appearance on the European Tour. Other big-name players in the field include 2009 European Tour winners Nick Dougherty from England and home favourites James Kingston and Richard Sterne, while Dane Thomas Bjorn is also a major contender in the one million euro event. But there will be plenty of focus on Clarke, who was narrowly edged out by Retief Goosen last year.
 

 

Darren Clarke is keen to put a disappointing 12 months behind him when he tees off at this week's Africa Open in East London..

 

"Obviously, Goosen's not here but he played great last year and I had to finish second," he said. "Hopefully this year I can go one better. I had a pretty poor year (last year) so I want to come back to winning again and go from there." wish taylormade r9 driver will bring luck to him.

 

As always on the coast, the wind is expected to play a key role in determining the outcome of the competition, but the 41-year-old is not fazed.

 

Clarke, whose best finish last year was tied fifth at the KLM Open at Zandvoort, added: "I like the wind coming up, which is what I'm used to from growing up and playing at home, so it's a good thing.

 

He said: "It's nice to come down here, it's been a few years since my last visit. It's a great golf course and I've heard really good things about it.
"It's like a links course and there's some roll in the ball as well, which makes it quite exciting."