Clarke nervous about PGA Tour Champions debut

Darren Clarke stands with the Claret Jug on the 6th tee at Royal Portrush when it was announced that the famous links would host the 148th Open in 2019. Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Darren Clarke spent his 50th birthday celebrating in the Bahamas and admits he's "a little bit nervous" about making his PGA Tour Champions debut today

The Dungannon native turned 50 on August 14 could have made his bow on the over 50s circuit in New York last week but preferred to remain on the beach.

Set to tee it up with Fred Couples and fellow "rookie" Chris DiMarco in the Boeing Classic in Seattle, Clarke said: "When I had my choice of being on the golf course for my 50th birthday or being on the beach in the Bahamas for my 50th birthday, the beach sort of won that battle."

The 2011 Open champion has spent most of his spare time enjoying his Bahamas hideaway since he captained a losing European Ryder Cup team in 2016. 

"I'm hanging out down there, practising and playing, doing a little bit of fishing, eating too much, drinking too much," he said. "Doing as you do in the Bahamas, having a good time."

As for being competitive straight away, he admitted he's "under no illusions."

"They're shooting 20 under par for three rounds of golf and that's just incredible," he said. "I think I've got to find my feet. 

"I've got to come out and figure out where my game's at. I'm not really sure because I haven't been that competitive for that long. "

Whatever happens, he expects a good reception from the fans who have always loved his beer-drinking, cigar-chomping, everyman image.

"Even my time playing the PGA Tour over here and stuff, the crowds were always very kind to me all over the world wherever I've gone," he said. "So I hope that continues."