Runner-up 1997 British Open
1 US Tour win
9 European Tour wins
Twice European Order of Merit runner-up
WGC-World Match Play champion 2000
3 Ryder Cups (97, 99, 01)
US OPEN PROFILE
Clarke has already shown he can beat the very best by sinking Tiger Woods in the final of the 2000 World Match Play. A second place in the 1997 British Open is Clarke's closest brush with a Major but he has the talent to challenge in every one he competes in. He led this year's Masters after the first round before it all went wrong but he is playing far better than his form over recent weeks suggests. The Ulsterman has been continuously frustrated by his inability to get the ball in the hole. Even a 66 in the final round of the British Masters could well have been a 62 such were the chances that he was giving himself. Clarke is delighted with his play tee to green but how he fares this week will depend on how long his patience lasts with the putter. The greens are notoriously tricky for this event but if he can hole a few early doors he has the quality in other areas to launch a realistic bid.
