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HI Darren, Congrats once again for being in the Ryder Cup. I think I wrote to you before about my ancestors being from Dungannon, Clonfaekle, Tyrone so I do have a bit of an allegiance with the European Team - good luck! Sandy, Canada
Hi Darren. i'd just like to wish you and the boys all thr best in your new home. Good luck to the whole Ryder Cup team; i'm sure the captains picks were a real problem but i think that just shows how strong the team is. And as the father of two young children myself i totally understand your decision to step back from Ryder Cup qualification yourself. Personally i'd love to see you playing but in truth family has to come first and i'm sure you'll never regret spending the extra time with the family moving into your new home. Finally good luck in Switzerland. Go out there and show us just what the Ryder Cup team is missing without you playing. Joe Whiteside
Hi there Joe, thanks for the message - it's just great to be home in Northern Ireland and the boys are loving it too which is great. I didn't do too badly in Switzerland but Miguel and Edoardo being 1st and 2nd was a fantastic result and I know Monty will be delighted. I would have loved to be in the team myself but not to be this time around but I'm really looking forward to being a vice-captain and think we have a really strong team to give the Americans something to think about!! Cheers, Darren.
Not a question...just wanted you to know that I am a yank who loves the Euros. You are one of the members in my dream foursome. Running my full time golf shop at Dub's Dread Golf Course in Kansas City I am alwasy the significant minority as I pull for the "bad guys" each week and especially during the Ryder Cup. Best of luck in all of your endeavors and keep on being the great guy you are. Tim Larson Double Eagle Golf Clubs Kansas City, Kansas
Hi Darren, I was at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits and was fortunate to have you sign my hat and have a photo taken with you. I just wanted to let you know that the hat you signed is the hat I wear when I go for my chemo treatments for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I am so pleased that you took the time to do that for me. It really means a lot to me. You are one of my favorite golfers as you exhibit integrity and class both on and off the course. I wish you all the best in the future. Thanks, Kerry
Hi Kerry, thanks very much for the email. I'm so glad that you're wearing the cap for your chemo sessions - I know only too well what they can be like. But if it does the job then it's worth all the agro. Hope you'll soon be back to full fitness. Kind Regards, Darren.
Hello Darren, After receiving my first set of Golf clubs for my Birthday - I toddled off to the Local Driving Range.. and to my surprise and my other half's annoyance I was hitting the ball straight and far... smug springs to mind.. until I woke up the next day and could not move my fingers especially the right hand! this lasted for over 2 weeks gradually easing. Help! What did I do wrong?... Oh and does anyone want a set of ladies Clubs!
Hi Suzanne, well done you - one up to the girls! I don't think you did anything wrong - I just think that the movement of the golf swing is probably something you're hands aren't used to so they were just probably complaining a bit! Keep at it and don't sell the clubs! Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren Congratulations on both the Ryder Cup Vice Captaincy and the invite to the upcoming US PGA; both undoubtedly reflect the high regard in which your contribution to the game continues to be held. Further congratulations on your recent return to form. My family and I were very pleased to witness your success at Loch Lomond and as a result your participation in the Open. Good luck in the coming days & weeks and in giving Monty something more to think about. All the very best! Michael Anderson (Perth, W.A.)
Hi Michael, thanks very much for the message. I'm really looking forward to being a vice-captain for Monty at Celtic Manor and will still be trying to earn a place on the team! Can't wait to get to the USPGA and it was wonderful to receive the invitation to play. King regards, Darren.
Hi Darren, Well played in the Open, on TV it looked as though you had gold shafts in your irons? What brand and specification are these? Regards Andy
Hi Andy, They are True Temper shafts called "Monaco".... and are steel shafts but heavy ones....the finish on them are to make them different!!!! Regards, Darren.
Hello, Darren, How Are You Doing? I Currently Play Off A Handicap Of 5.7 And Am 15 Years Old, My Target Is To Get Down To Scratch Before I Am 18, Can You Give Me Any Tips/Advice On How To 'Possibly' Do This? Kind Regards, Jack,
Hello there Jack, very good so far getting down to 5.7, well done. To get to the next level you really need to tighten up on your short game. So, I would suggest practising your shots from 100 yards and in - accuracy with these shots is critical in turning good scores into even better scores. I wish you luck and hope you get there! Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren GREAT NEWS on the Ryder Cup appointment, truly deserved. Still think you might make the team, either way it will be great to see you at Celtic Manor.. Best wishes Mark Freeman
Hi Mark, thanks for that - I must say it's a real honour to be a vice captain and I'm really looking foward to it - it's a really good team of four to inspire the team to victory! Cheers, Darren.
Darren, Congrats on win in Adare and 2nd Place in Loch Lomond. You seem to be very relaxed in Loch Lomond letting the golf come to you rather than chasing it. I always seem to under perform even when I know I should play better. Aside from 3 whiskey's before tee off what do you suggest?
Hi Patrick, thanks for the message. It was a frustrating final round at Loch Lomond but at least it put me on the road to St Andrews. I think probably you need to practice a bit more and get to really trust your swing and know where the ball's going - if you can get a bit of consistency on the range then you'll feel more confident and that in turn should make you play better. Dump the whiskey and try a Guinness instead! Cheers, Darren.
Congratulations on securing the last qualifying place at the Open Championship starting tomorrow! I will be following your progress and here's wishing you all the best and hope that you do well and maybe even win the event.! RODDY FOO
Congrats on a fine performance at lock Lomond and getting into the Open. I noticed that the shafts in your Irons look new? what are they?
Hi Mark, well spotted - yes the iron shafts are new and are True Temper Monaco shafts which are quite heavy and suit me really well. All the best, Darren.
Just like to wish you all the very best at St Andrews. We will all be glued to the TV, go and enjoy!
Well done Darren on securing your place at The Open you will be a fantastic addition to the field this week. Great result for you at the weekend aswell although I am sure you where desperate for the win. Have a great Open week and good luck for a high finish Best Wishes Mark Freeman
Hi Daz again, Congrats on your qualifying for the Open at the home of golf. It wouldnt of being the same with you not there. unlucky at loch lomond but you must take great belief out of your weeks work ( adare aswell) I see you back up the rankings and well positioned in race to dubai. Hope to see you at the top of the leaderboard this week.You have a good record around ST Andrews so the best of luck and we will be rooting for you. regards
Hey Big D, just a quick message to say congrats on the win in Adare and unlucky at the Barclays. Best I have seen you putt in a long time. Fingers crossed for you in the Open this week ! Slainte, Damien
Hello Darren, My son and I were pulling very hard for you at the Scottish Open here in Pennsylvania! Although you fell just a little short, your qualification for the Open Championship made us proud. No one deserves good fortune and a great run more than you do. My son and I will be praying hard for you at St. Andrews, play well Darren. Best wishes, John Muto
Darren, I wanted to say congratulations on a great showing at the Scottish Open. I watched on Sat and Sun mornings over here in America on the Golf Channel and was cheering hard for you. Great to see you playing so well and hitting some great shots. I was happy to see you get into the field at St Andrews. Again, I'll be glued to the coverage (wish I could be there in person). Good luck and bring home the Jug. Nick P. Lincoln, NE USA
Darren,great to see you back at top of a leader board again,it's been too quiet around the tour without you playing your best, good luck for the rest of the season on and off the course.
Darren,congratulations on a great week of golf,a little disappointed for you not to win The Scottish Open but delighted for you to get the last Open spot,you're such a class act.Best wishes next week, Eddie.
Congrats on your scottish open, now go one better in the British. I have got a ticket for the ryder cup and want to see you and Westwood tee it up again and spank those Yanks.. Best of luck for future, Steve James.
Hi Darren, Welkom terug (welcome back as we say in S.A.)Fantastic golf you are playing, it is so good to see you at the top again. Best of Luck to you, enjoy it !
Hi Darren, I just want to congratulate you on your win at The JP McManus Pro Am this week. I wasn't able to follow you on the course because of my wheelchair but I really enjoyed the pro am seeing all the pros and celebs on the practice range and putting green. I wish you all the best for the rest of 2010 and hope to see you in Killarney. Teresa, Co. Limerick.
Darren, Congrats on your win in Adare watching on monday you seemed to be very relaxed and really enjoying your golf here's to playing well in Scotland and to qualify for the Open. Five years ago this win seemed to be the catalist for Padraig Harrington to go on a good run of wins it would be super to see you back where you belong at the summit of the golfing world again.
Hi Mark, thanks so much for the message. Was delighted to win at Adare and am hoping the good form continues. Thanks for your support. Cheers, Darren.
Darren, I'd just like to congratulate you on winning the JP Mc Manus Pro Am. What is the next big competition that you are in? I wish you all the best in it anyway. Yours truly, Paraic.
Hi Paraic, thanks for your message - I'm really pleased to have won JP's Pro-am. My next event is the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond. Regards, Darren.
Hi Darren, Strictly not a question at all, but I wanted to be one of the first(and I'm sure many!) to congratulate you on your win at the JP McManus Pro-Am in Adare. Great score to-day by the way (a 68). Keep up the good work.Rgds.Cathal.
I notice you are not playing in the US or, British Open's? Is that a conscience decision or, is the another reason for this? We here in America miss seeing your competitive fires burning as you gave Tiger and Phil a run. Where is that Darren? Thanks! Stephen
Hi there Stephen, thanks for your message. The reason that I'm not playing in the US Open or Open Championship is quite simply that I have not qualified for those events. I'd certainly love to play both events but my world ranking isn't high enough right now and I did not get through the 36 hole qualifying rounds for either event. Hopefully I'll be at both in 2011! Regards, Darren.
Hey there Big D, well played in Portugal. What about an Ulster threesome for the Ryder Cup - you, GMac, and RoryMac. Put Ulster back on the map, lets see some of that old magic again.
Hi David, that's certainly a good thought! I'll have to play some good golf in the next few weeks to join Gmac and Rory down at Celtic Manor. Cheers, Darren.
Darren great finish in Portugal with the 66. Will we be seeing you in Wales in the Fall?
Hi Richard, thanks, I was really pleased to sign off with a really good final round in Portugal. Wales in September is a long shot but it won't be for the lack of trying! Regards, Darren.
Hello Darren, no questions but I would like to congratulate you on your play at the tournament in Portugal . . . It was great seeing you play with that special "fire" that we're accustomed to. I still watch you on the Golf Chanel whenever a tournament you're playing in is televised and even though I couldn't see every shot, I am so happy to have seen your rise up the leaderboard . . . Good going Darren! Valerie Lewis
Thanks for the message Valerie, much appreciated. Cheers, Darren.
Darren, Great golf from you at the Weekend in Portugal, especially Sunday which proved to be a difficult scoring day for most. I notice your putting stats were very decent Fri - Sun. Did you change anything ? Looking forward to watching you play in Killarney at the Irish Open. John Cregan
Well spotted John! I changed my putter and am now using a TaylorMade Ghost which seems to be working well right now. It was great to finish with a good round in Estoril. All the best, Darren.
Hi Darren, I am currently a 10 handicapper and have been playing competitive club golf for 3 year. I want to get to the next level and have started putting more time in on short game, is there any advice you can give? and eventually I would like to get to plus handicap, do you think its possible with hard work? Thanks Chris
Hi Chris, glad to see you've set yourself a challenge! Of course it's achievable - all you have to do is put in the time and effort to reach your goal. I always say to people in your position to practice their shots from 100 yards and in - you seem to have sussed that this is what's required! So good luck and hope you get there. Cheers, Darren.
Darren, There is a rumour around the Lough Erne Course that you will play with Rory at the "Duel of the Lough" on the course this year? Is there anything planned? Gus Wilson
HI Gus, you heard correct! It's in a different format this year - fourball betterball and I'm playing with Rory against Padraig and Shane Lowry so it should be a brilliant day! Cheers, Darren.
Darren, That bonefish photographed very well! Cool. Rory McIllroy-is it two l's?, was amazing at the weekend. What has been your most significant win to date? Awaiting that bit of magic when you storm to another victory even if it means that Lee comes second and Rory comes third! Happy fishing, Joan Sweeney
Hi Joan, glad you like the new pics! Was a brilliant holiday. McIlroy has just one L not two - and yes he just did so well at Quail Hollow! As for the most significant win I don't think I can really answer that one but the most significant shot I've ever hit was making contact with the ball on the first tee in the Ryder Cup at the K Club in Ireland - that has to be my most significant golfing moment ever! All the best, Darren.
Hi Darren, strange question I know, but I was wondering what your favourite cigars are, and where you buy them? ps. the Bob Rotella books are an outstanding read.... and EXTREMELY helpful. Steven Poolton
Hi Steven, my all time favourite cigars are Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas and I usually buy them in Harrods in London. Rotella's books are brilliant! Cheers, Darren.
I haven't seen Darren too much on the PGA tour, so I was curious as to what he has been up to.....my company belonged to firestone country club, and the guys who work there always said nice things about the way you treat everybody. that is what i expected because you appear to be a very friendly pro athlete.....nice to see....too many prima donnas over here.....I wish you the best.
Hi Earl, thanks for the message. I've not been playing in the US of late - my current world ranking position doesn't get me in to the WGC's or the Majors so have been concentrating on the European Tour which has been going quite well. I'm currently on a family holiday in the Bahamas which is great - the fishing here is awesome. Hope to be back there in the US some time soon and hopefully can earn myself a place at Firestone. Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren, I'm very interested in the mental side of the game so I was wondering how you prepare, play and review your game, especially matchplay competitions. I've a number of matchplay events scheduled this year and want to be in top form both physically and mentally! Regards, Keith Haynes
Hi Keith, the best piece of advice that I can give you is to take a look at Bob Rotella's books - they're absolutely brilliant and tell you in detail how to deal with situations that you may come across. I hope you do well in your matches. Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren, I am the Captain of Whiston Hall Golf Club, Staffordshire and I was asked to Tap Dance on the Tee when I turned up in my new shoes. I was wondering if you would please give me some advice on what to use to clean them, they are DCC Leather Golf Shoes with Black Wingtip. I am hoping you get picked for the Ryder cup team. They are a great shoe! Thank you if you can help. Kind Regards, Phil.
Hi Philip, thanks for the message and glad you like the shoes - you certainly have excellent taste! There's no special care needed really, they just need to be treated the same as a normal pair of leather street shoes. Just clean them and dry them after every round and then use a good polish. Hopefully I will be playing my way into the Ryder Cup team this year and not relying on getting picked. Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren, I am 13 and I play off a 13 handicap, I have a great short game but one thing that holds me back is my distance, I was wondering if there was any tips you could give me to help me hit the ball further?
Hi Diarmuid, well that's a pretty good handicap to have at 13 years old so well done! Glad to hear that your short game's in good shape - that makes such a difference to scores. I think your distance will increase with age really and it's not something to be overly concerned about - but do remember that hitting it a good distance comes with a good rhythym and tempo and I'd just keep working on that. Another tip is to try and make your backswing as compact as possible and then you have more power going through the shot. Good luck, Darren.
Darren, I had the pleasure of following you around yesterday in the Dubai Desert Classic. I was puzzled to see you use a pitching wedge for putting in the last few holes - what was the reason for this? DARREN
Hi Darren, as you noticed I was using the lob wedge to putt with for the last few holes on the Saturday of Dubai - my frustration got the better of me on the 12th after missing yet another 8 footer and I'm ashamed to say that I bent the shaft so was unable to continue using it for the rest of the round. All the best, Darren.
Hi Darren, Just wanted to say well done on last weeks performance and lets hope 2010 is a vintage year for you. It was great to see you back competing for a title and you have certainely inspired me to get my clubs out again after the miserable snowy weather we have been having.You still get my £10 each way bet every time you compete, so thanks for last week and here's to a lot more success in 2010. And just to let you know at the end of the year I will send half of any winnings I make through 2010 to The Darren Clarke Foundation. I hope thats ok. Best wishes, Mark Freeman
Hi Mark, I really enjoyed being in the mix in Joburg last week and the final hole eagle lifted me into a tie for second and I was really happy with that. That's a really generous offer of yours and I'll have to make sure that your wagers have some good returns! I really appreciate that very kind gesture - as you know the money from the Foundation is split between encouraging and promoting junior golf and breast cancer charities so the causes are really worthy. Thanks again, Darren.
Hi Darren! Just wondering what is the biggest trout you have caught? Also i was looking at your pics and you caught a bone fish, Where was this and was it with a fly? Also have you been fishing with anyone else on the tour and if so who? Well done in Joburg, nice early ryder cup position! Thank Peter
Hi Peter, the biggest brownie that I've caught is 14lb - nice! The Bonefish that I caught was off Abaco in The Bahamas and it was most certainly caught with a fly. A good few of the tour pros also fish but I do most of my fishing with my great friend Keith Maxwell who is the club pro at Sunningdale and we really enjoy ourselves. I've got a trip coming up in Florida in May to do some Tarpon fishing and I can't wait - should be very exciting. All the best, Darren.
Not so much a question Darren, more of a 'Good Luck' message for 2010 mate. I've see you play many times and I know along with many others that there is still a few Majors left it that swing of yours. Best Wishes to you and your boys mate and thanks for the future entertainment when you lift another Major trophy. Regards Simon Eyre and Joanne my wife who thinks your lovely??? Should have gone to Specsavers!! Only joking. Take Care.
Hi Simon, thanks for the message and I certainly feel that there's a good chance of a Major - not too far away I hope! Joanne obviously has seriously good taste!!! All the best, Darren.
Hi Darren, Where and when was your best round of competitive golf? Every good wish for 2010. Joan
Hi Joan, very Happy New Year to you! I shot 60 in the 2nd round of the Smurfit European Open at the K Club in 1999, I ended up finishing tied 2nd and my good mate Lee Westwood won the title! All the best, Darren.
Mr. Clarke, This is not a question, but I just wanted to thank you for being who you are and a great character in the game of golf. Your attitude and style has done wonders for my confidence over the last few years since I've been following you and I know 2010 is going to be a great year for you. Hope to see you play and shake your hand one day. All the best with you and your family. Steve Hansen Canada
Hi Steve, thanks for the message. I never really think of myself as an inspiration to people so it's extremely flattering when I receive messages such as yours. I also feel confident about 2010 and am really looking forward to the start of my year in South Africa in early January. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Kind Regards, Darren.
Hi Darren, Unlucky not to reach the top 60. Although the good news is your game seems to be in good shape. Keep it up and it will not be an issue next year. Freddie
Hi Freddie, thank you for the message. I feel that my golf is in good shape and whilst I was just one spot out of the top 60 this year I fully intend to be right in there next year! Cheers, Darren.
I notice that yourself and a lot of the European players wear slacks that have a split (or V) in the side of the leg. I would love to know where to get these as my son and I wear very large golf shoes and I believe the split would allow for more comfort. Thank you very much.
Hi there John, these trousers are great and Tony the Tailor makes them for us. His website is www.qaja.co.uk - if you look on there you'll find all you need to know! Regards, Darren
Hi Darren, obviously I'm a huge fan. I have been reading your book that you wrote with Dr Karl Morris - Golf The Mind Factor. It has improved my game alot. But one of the things I struggle with, like many golfers, is consistancy. I'm 15, play off 25, and I already want to perfect my game! Because of this, I feel that I am over analysing my swing :"Is my left arm too straight?", "Should my right knee be bending like this?" I'm not sure whether this is refraining me from playing well. Good luck! Luke Stockil
Hi Luke, glad you're enjoying the book and it's working for you. I think your over analysis of your swing is definitely stopping you from improving. If you've got to 25 you've made some progress with your game so I reckon you should just chill out a bit, relax and stop thinking too much! Good luck, Darren.
Hi Darren. It's great to see you playing again in the Majors. I would like to know who decides who plays with you in the Pro-Ams and in the Dunhill Links Championship. Also do the players need to have an official handicap to play on those days? Best Wishes, Graeme McVea.
Hi Graeme, I must admit I wish I'd done better in the majors but was cheered up by finishing well in Holland last week. As far as the Pro-Ams go, generally speaking it's done at random but if a player has one of their sponsors putting a team in the European Tour will arrange for their player to be with their team. In the Dunhill Links it's the same story really and all amateurs do need to have a bona fide handicap to play in these events. Regards, Darren.
Hi Darren, I met you at Moyvalley Ireland and I think your an incredible golfer. I recently won my home club captains prize and got cut to 15 from 13. I have trouble with my long irons. Any advice??? Keep up the good work for cancer and on tour!! Are you playing the Portugal Masters. Can't wait to see both you and Lee in action again. All the best. Dermot Finn.
Hi Dermot, well done on winning your Captain's Prize! With your long irons the key is to try and keep a smooth swing and good rhythm - a lot of people try and hit them too hard and this makes for a bad swing so just concentrate on your tempo. I will be playing in the Portugal Masters and am really looking forward to the event. Good luck with your golf. Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren, Good to see some consistency with your game at Firestone, well done. I play at Huntingdale in Melbourne which has some 95 bunkers. Unfortunately I know them all too well and have found getting out of them becoming more difficult and destroying a lot of good rounds. I fluctuate between 18 - 21 and feel this part of my game is killing me!! Can you please give me something that may help my mindset while addressing the ball in a bunker. (other than to stay out of them)!! Good luck next week. many thanks, Gordon Smyth
Hi Gordon, thanks for the message - was pleased with my performance at Firestone - obviously my pre-tournament warm up of lying on the beach for a couple of weeks did the trick!! In the bunker try not to hit the ball - simply swing the club so that you remove the sand from underneath the ball and then it will come out automatically. Remember not to hit AT the ball instead make sure you swing through to a good finish. Good luck, hope it helps. Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren, Will you clear something up for me! watching the golf from Turnberry last week, I saw two of the players being given a blue card (which I take to be a score card?) just before their tee off. They then exchanged these cards, will you tell me why, do you keep each other's score or just your own and who is responsible for the card during and after your roundt? - By the way I cannot help but admire all you do for Cancer research and the brilliant job you are doing bringing up your boys. Parenting is the hardest job in the world and to combine it with a tough golfing schedule - hats off to you!! take care, Anne. ps; throughly enjoyed walking the course at Loch Lomond watching you play!
Hi there Anne, what happens with the scorecards is the following:- You're right in what you say - each player is given their own card to start with and then they exchange cards so we mark each other's cards. Ultimately the player is responsible for their own card (which the other player has marked) and at the completion of the round we check these carefully and then sign for the score which is then countersigned by the other player that it is correct. So hope that sorts out that little query for you! I count myself really lucky to be in my job and also have two wonderful sons to look after - it can be tricky juggling it all around but it seems to work pretty well and I do have a couple who help too! Glad you enjoyed Loch Lomond. Regards, Darren.
Hi Darren, My son has been a keen golfer for a few years having been through an academy with a view to eventually turning pro. However, he's been having a really rough patch lately and his handicap has risen from 3 to 5. He's thinking of jacking it all in! Is there any advice you can give him? He doesn't have a regular coach now which probably doesn't help. Many thanks for any advice and all the very best of luck!
Hi there Caroline, I'm really sorry to hear that your lad is down in the dumps about his golf. I know the feeling!!! Things will always get better for him - all golfers whether pro or amateur suffer from downturns in their game now and again and you just really have to keep on encouraging him and he'll eventually play his way out of it. I think that perhaps a few lessons with a coach would have serious benefits, even if it just makes him more confident. If he's been down to 3 then he knows what he's doing out there so tell him from me just to keep plugging away and it'll come right in the end. Never give up! All the best, Darren.
Hi Darren - sorry not a question more of a statement really. My son, Conor , and I had the pleasure of walking the back 9 in Paris with you and it was a real treat. We live in France now, having left Norn Iron in 2004, and are both big fans of you. I often tell Conor (aged 15 and off 19) to never quit no matter how bad a shot he's played and you played a fantastic recovery shot on the 12th with very little green to work with. I congratulated you at the time and Conor and I talked about it for ages. It great to see you back at yourself big man. Good luck to you Tyrone and Conor. Paul & Conor Campbell
Hi Paul, thanks so much for the message - I definitely feel that things are back on track now! Glad you both enjoyed Paris and wish Conor all the best with his golf. Kind regards, Darren.
Hi, Darren, I was wondering how you got all your sponsors. Do you like using Taylormade and if you could change. What would you change it to. Good Luck in the years to come. Graham
Hi Graham, my management company, ISM, arrange all my sponsorship deals for me which is great. I really think TaylorMade are the best clubs for me and have no intention of changing to anything else in the foreseeable future. Regards, Darren.
Hi Darren.We all have heroes we looked up to as kids in sport,just wondering who was your golfing idol when you were growing up as a kid, ps,, good luck in baltray..Me and the kids will hopefully be in your gallery for 4days.Best of luck..Roy.
Hi Roy, that's an easy question for me to answer - Greg Norman was the one for me. Over the years I've played quite a few rounds with him which was fantastic - he still plays at a great competitive level. Hope you're not getting blown away at Baltry - we are! Cheers, Darren.
Hi Darren. From time to time when I am playing golf I end up in a bunker and I was wondering what the ruling is regarding the rake. Should it be left in the bunker or on the edge of the bunker or does it matter? Best Wishes. Graeme McVea.
Hi Graeme, there is no rule as such as to where the rake should be placed, if in doubt leave it where you found it!!! I think some clubs have signs on their noticeboards as to their preferences. Regards, Darren.
Hi Darren, love the site, juat wondering when did you decide to turn pro and did you ever have anything else to fall back on? When do you think is to late for someone to try for pro? best regards John
Hi John, I turned pro in 1990 which was the right time for me. I could have played Walker Cup but that was just delaying the process of turning professional and under the guidance of my manager, Chubby Chandler, we felt that it was right. I always knew that was what I wanted to do and didn't have anything specific to fall back on. I don't think it's ever too late to do anything in life providing you have the dedication and drive to succeed. Good luck, Darren.
HI DARREN, I WATCHED YOU PLAY AT THE SHELL IN HOUSTON,YOU HIT YOUR APPROACH SHOT IN THE GREEN SIDE BUNKER,YOUR BUNKER SHOT CAME UP JUST A HAIR SHORT OF VERY GOOD, YOU THEN PROCEEDED TO RAKE THE BUNKER YOURSELF, YOU TOLD YOUR CADDIE WHEN YOU HIT A SHOT LIKE THAT YOU DESERVE TO RAKE IT YOURSELF, HOW MANY OTHER PROS HAVE YOU SEEN DO THAT. LET ME JUST END BY SAYING YOU HAVE CREATED ANOTHER FAN...GOOD LUCK,HAROLD
Hi Harold, I remember it well and I wasn't best pleased! I have seen a few guys over the years doing a spot of gardening in the bunkers when the mood dictates!!! Thanks for writing in. Regards, Darren
Hi Darren is your game good enough to make the Masters at the moment, and tell me is the R9 any good or just a gimick.
Hi David, the R9 is a seriously good club and most certainly not a gimmick - definitely worth a try. My game is in good shape at the moment and the only way I have to the Masters is for a seriously good finish in Houston next week. Regards, Darren.
Darren, First off, great golfing in last week's Tavistock Cup. I am still asking myself how your team lost! I recently read your interview in Golf Magazine. I loved the line that at the end of the round, you shake your opponent's hand, then go grab a pint with them. The underlying theme was to keep it respectfulful. I just wanted to let you know that the interview was great. Most of all, good luck in 2009. From what I have seen, you have been playing great golf. I hope it carries over for big showings in the majors. Will we be seeing you at Augusta? Nick Paden, Lincoln NE
Hi Nick, not quite sure myself how we lost! But anyway it was a great couple of days which I really enjoyed. Glad you liked the interview in Golf Magazine! The only way for me into the Masters now is for a seriously good performance in Houston and that's what I'll be working towards. Cheers, Darren
Hi Darren. I was wondering what your caddy does when you are not playing a tournament. Is he able to get another bag or does he wait until you are playing again? Best Wishes, Graeme McVea
Hi Graeme, generally speaking caddies take the same weeks off that we do so they can also get some rest time. Some of the caddies do occasionally take up another player's bag if it suits them when their regular player is taking time out. Cheers, Darren
Hi Darren. I was watching you playing in The Tavistock Cup last week and I was wondering how you got to play in it? Do you play in it every year or is it by invitation.
Hi Graeme, The Tavistock Cup's a great event that's been going for a few years now and basically it's played between the touring pro's that are members at Isleworth and Lake Nona and it's done on an invite basis. It was such good fun this year as all the gallery who were members of the clubs wore the same colours as the players and it was a real spectacle! Regards, Darren.
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