Darren Clarke, of Nothern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the 18th holde during the first round of the Houston Open PGA golf tournament Thursday, April 20, 2006 in Humble, Texas. Clarke shot a 4-under-par 68. He withdrew from the tournament to return home outside London after receiving results from ongoing medical tests of his wife Heather. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
DAVID J. PHILLIP: AP


April 20, 2006, 2:46PM
Clarke Withdraws From Houston Open


© 2006 The Associated Press

HUMBLE, Texas — Darren Clarke withdrew from the Shell Houston Open after his first round Thursday to fly home and be with his wife, who has cancer.

Clarke shot a 68, but about two hours later, tournament organizers said in a statement that Clarke had dropped out "upon receiving results from ongoing medical tests of his wife, Heather."

Heather Clarke was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and it has since spread throughout her body.

The statement said Clarke was returning home to "discuss further treatment with Heather and her doctors."

Clarke was unavailable for comment.


Say a little prayer for Heather, folks.

Mr. Clarke is a class act. How he can play golf under the circumstances is beyond me. He is a terrific human being. Hope all works out for him.

Agreed

Our thoughts are with him and his family. As a fan of his I don't no how he does it, he's obviously an amazing man. Golf isn't that important right now.

I agree we should pray for the family, and I believe it is just remarkable that he is able to play under those conditions. He's a true class act.

things like that put golf into perspective, it's just a game


mike

If you look up professional in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Darren Clarke there.

He was so friendly and kind to the galleries early in the week, if it wasn't for the media, no one would have any idea anything was wrong. He earned a lot of respect in my book with his patcience and friendlieness this wekk.

my prayers are with Heather and the Clarke family.

Well stated everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. He is indeed a "Class Act"!

Whenever I read things like this it reminds me that one of the best things about the game of golf is that, very often, the best players are also wonderful people possessed of integrity, professionalism, and humanity.

My thoughts are with Darren.