 Clarke was third at Firestone two years ago |
Darren Clarke was grateful that his short game was on form as a 66 took him one shot clear of the field after the third round of the WGC-NEC Invitational in Ohio. The Northern Irishman is nine under par going into the final round at the Firestone course and is in line for his first win of the season.
"I got a few breaks early on and didn't hit it particularly well, (not) as well as I have been the first two rounds," said Clarke. "My short game bailed me out."
The 35-year-old said he had been working on his short game for a month after deciding it was not up to scratch.
"It hasn't been good enough. If you're not shooting the numbers you should be shooting, there have to be some aspects you need to identify.
"I had become too technical with my main swing with (coach) Butch (Harmon) and trying to figure out a few things and neglected my short game, so I had to work on it very hard.
"I've put the work in to get myself in a position like this, so I think I'm on the right road."
Clarke, who won the 2000 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, admitted that a tour victory would be welcome, especially at Firestone, where he was third two years ago.
"After the majors I think you have all the guys, maybe with the exception of (The Players Championship), say the World Golf Championship is the one to win next.
"I've been fortunate enough to win one, but I'd like to win another."
MMIX
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