Darren Clarke has had to withdraw from this week's Irish Open at Adare
Manor Hotel and Golf Resort on health and safety grounds.

Medical experts advised the 38-year-old Ulsterman that unless he rests
and has intensive treatment on a hamstring problem he could further
aggravate the condition and risk his immediate future.

"It is with great reluctance and an equal amount of sorrow that I have
to withdraw from this week's Irish Open," said Clarke from his Surrey
home.

MRI scans and medical specialists revealed that Clarke has a problem
at the top of his right hamstring which requires further rest and
treatment.

"To say I'm disappointed is putting it mildly," added Clarke. "I so
wanted to compete for Ireland's national title so this is another blow
on top of many recent frustrations.

"If I had played this week, I would have risked further damage and
probably turned it into a long-term injury. Now I have the chance of
being fit to return at Wentworth next week for the BMW PGA
Championship."

Clarke damaged his hamstring playing football with his sons Tyrone and
Conor and was forced to pull out after the first round of the Wachovia
tournament and after six holes of last week's Players' Championship in
Sawgrass.

"I feel gutted not to play in the Irish Open especially after coming
so close last year. I'm really down in the dumps after so many recent
setbacks, but I have to make sure I get fit as soon as I possibly can,"
said Clarke.

Assisting with Clarke's rehabilitation will be former European Tour
physio Jonathan Shrewsbury, whose clients include several Premiership
football clubs and the London Irish RU team.

Roddy Williams
European Tour Press Officer
Tel: +44 1344 840400
Mobile: +44 7899 940029