Darren Clarke has spoken about the "thousands of messages, cards and emails" he has received since his wife Heather lost her cancer battle earlier this month.

"I had absolutely no idea just how Heather's death had touched so many people," said the Ulsterman, who is entered for the Madrid Masters in two weeks' time.

That comes just a week before the Ryder Cup in Ireland and Clarke is expected to be chosen for that by European captain Ian Woosnam on Sunday.

Commenting on the messages, the 38-year-old said: "I will continue to wade through them until I have read every last one and I have already started replying.

"It will be impossible to send a personal message to everybody because it would take years, but I would just like to say to you all just how much I appreciate your kind words and thoughts during this most difficult of times.

"The Clarke household has had to start anew and I have been occupying my time with Tyrone and Conor (sons aged eight and five) as we all re-adjust our lives.

"I haven't neglected my golf totally during the enforced absence from the game. I've been hitting balls a bit and I'm already looking forward to returning to the game.

"Exactly when that will be I'm not sure yet, but things may become a bit clearer after the weekend.

"Obviously many people have been speculating about the Ryder Cup, but I don't think it would be fair or appropriate for me to join that debate at this time.

"The only thing I can confirm is that captain Ian Woosnam knows that if he thinks I would add something to his team then I will make myself available.

"I would also like to thank the European Tour for their very generous offer of donating one euro for every programme sold at the Ryder Cup to breast cancer research and charities."  PA