| Clarke to Play in the SAA Open |
Darren Clarke is to return to tournament golf later this month after a two-month absence because of his wife Heather’s fight against cancer. The 36-year-old Ryder Cup star is sufficiently satisfied with Heather’s progress and recent medical reports that he has scheduled the South African Open as the starting point for his 2005 season.All Clarke’s prizemoney at Durban Country Club, between January 20-23, will be donated to the Tsunami Relief Appeal. Clarke yesterday outlined his thanks and appreciation for all the messages of support he and Heather have received from all over the world, as well as conveying his deepest sympathy to the victims families of the earthquake which shook and devastated the globe.
“Heather and I have been astounded by the amount of get well cards, texts and emails we have received since it became known that she was ill,” he said. “There is still some way to go, but Heather's Oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Stephen Johnson, is satisfied that Heather is responding well to her treatment and is happy with her progress", said Clarke. o:p>
Clarke hopes to be able to donate the first prize of £86,000 to the Tsunami appeal. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be able to put the winner’s cheque into the fund,” he said. “Golf has been placed into perspective after what has happened at home and elsewhere”, said Clarke.
Press Release issued by ISM 11.01.05