Q&A – Darren Clarke Golfer, Venetian Macao Open contestant: ‘Scott Hend is the man to beat’

Darren Clarke

Northern Ireland’s golfer Darren Clarke will play in the 2016 edition of the Venetian Macao Golf Open, raising the bar of this year’s lineup.
The 48-year-old will be one of the highlights that will add interest for golf fans in the territory due to his extensive career and great achievements in the sport.
This will be the second time that Clarke joins the local event in which he made his debut back in 1999, on the second edition of the tournament when he finished tied at 39th position.
Clarke is the 2011 Open Championship winner and captain of the European team for the 2016 Ryder Cup, a role that led him to withdraw from this year’s edition of US Open at Oakmont. He will be playing at the Macau Golf & Country Club for the second time at the Asian Tour, a tournament which is offering a total of USD1.1 million (approximately MOP8.8 million) in prize-money.
To learn more about Clarke’s expectations and views on its return to Macau after 17 years of absence, the Times spoke to the golfer in a telephone interview.

Macau Daily Times (MDT) – What is the biggest challenge of the 2016 Venetian Macao Open to you?
Darren Clarke (DC) – I think we have Scott Hend that has won two out of the last three years (if I’m not wrong). He is hitting the ball well and when you have a man that has the record that he has in that course he would be the man to beat because he is such a good player and he is having a wonderful season. But after the Ryder Cup, I’ll be back working on my game and gearing myself into action again and I’m looking forward to it. I have really good memories from the golf course and may be playing a little better on the golf course [this time].
MDT – How do you expect to find Macau after 17 years of absence?
DC – Well I have heard reports from people that have been there. It has grown enormously since we were there the last time and apparently it is very busy so hopefully we can get some massive crowds out to watch the golf tournament. I’m really excited to get back there as I remember we had a great social time when we were in Macau last and I hope it will be the same.
MDT – How do you feel about the development of this tournament over the years? Do you think the fact that the event is growing will attract more professional players?
DC – I sure hope so. The Asian Tour has been doing a wonderful job and this is the best tournament in Asia so I’m very excited about it. It’s growing, growing and growing and getting more global coverage and that can only benefit Macau.
MDT – Golf has been developing a lot in Asia, especially due to the Asian Tour (as you mentioned). How do you perceive the Asian potential in this sport?
DC – I think it is great! If you take a look at women for instance. Asians are starting to play much better globally and both in America and in Europe. The game is really booming in Asia. The quality is getting better. Certainly compared to my career’s beginning, the quality of Asian players is now completely different. They have become better and they are continuing to do so.

Macau Daily Times is the tournament’s official media partner.