Golf: Darren Clarke's 68, 68 finish and his subsequent tie for 10th place in last year's Nissan Open was the catalyst for some superb performances in America, his victory in the WGC NEC Invitational being the highlight of a fantastic season that saw him finish among the top-30 earners on the US Tour, with almost $2 million.
Now the Dungannon man is back competing in this week's Nissan at the Riviera Country Club in Santa Monica, which starts today, hoping to recapture the form that saw him finish third in January's Mercedes Championships before missing cuts in the Sony Open and last week's Buick Invitational.
Thirty-five of the World's top 50 are here, headed by Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, as well as last year's champion, Mike Weir.
The Nissan is the tournament Woods has played most yet never won, this being his ninth appearance in his home-town event.
Asked if that made it more important for him to win this week, he said: "Not really. I am here to win but it's not the end of the world if I don't. I have other interests. My life has had its ups and downs and it takes years to reach a balance, but I have a happier life and have that balance now that I'm engaged."
