Injured Clarke doutful for Irish PGA

Darren Clarke, suffering from a knee injury sustained at the US Masters, remains doubtful for the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship at Westport.

The Dungannon man, an integral part of the successful Britain and Ireland team at the Seve Trophy in Druids Glen last weekend, will make a final decision after consulting his physiotherapist later today, but indications are that he will take no part in Co Mayo.

At Druids Glen, the world number 13 required heavy strapping on his damaged knee and he has been advised against competing in the Irish PGA showpiece which gets underway on Thursday.

Andrew Chandler, Clarke's manager, explained his client was keen to play but would not risk jeopardising the remainder of the season.

"He's been told he needs a fortnights rest," Chandler told ireland.comthis morning. "The ligaments in his knee are inflamed, probably from a combination of the boggy conditions at Augusta, from being a little overweight and from playing 36 holes last Friday and Saturday.

"Darren would love to play, but he's playing in Ireland twice more this season and he doesn't want to risk missing any more events than he has to. I've spoken to the Irish PGA to let them know the situation and they'll be the first to know of any decision."

Should Clarke, who has a well-earned break the following weekend, not travel to Co Mayo he will become the latest big name Irish golfer to miss the €137,000 event after Padraig Harrington, the world number 11, also withdrew from the field.

The Dubliner, who has decided not to risk aggravating an ankle ligament problem, announced his decision yesterday, explaining that he needed both rest and treatment if the injury was not to deteriorate.

As with Clarke, Harrington is not due to play again until The Benson and Hedges International at the Belfry from May 9th-12th.