Darren Clarke has revealed that he's found it tough to sit out events like the Masters as he battles to haul himself back into the world's top 50.

In an interview with Liam Kelly, published in Saturday's Irish Independent and Belfast Telegraph, the big Ulsterman also insists that Rory McIlroy was "fortunate" not to be disqualified at Augusta.

He also gives his views on Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell and Angel Cabrera:

“Watching it, you had to feel for Kenny Perry,” said Clarke.

“He was going so well for so long, and just fell at the last hurdle.

“The three in the play-off are really good guys.

“It was hard to pull for one over the other but Angel (Cabrera) has won the US open before and I think that really stood him in good stead."