Darren Clarke has gone all scientific in his bid to rediscover the Major magic that made him Open champion.

The 2011 Sandwich winner has hired a personal sports scientist to whip him into shape ahead of his return to action later this month.

Like many others, Clarke has resolved to lose weight in the New Year - he’s just going to very extreme lengths to do it.

“The guy I have with me 24/7 now is more of a sports scientist than a personal trainer,” revealed Clarke as Royal Portrush was confirmed as the 2012 Irish Open venue next June.

“It has worked for Lee Westwood and it is something that I am taking very seriously. It is all very technical, they have wired me up with all sorts of monitors and it is very scientific.
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“We’re talking diet, exercise, attitude, awareness, everything. It’s a lot more complicated than just having a personal trainer but it is something I want to do.

“I have done this before with diets and exercises to get me but not to the extent of having the experience of the guy who is with me now and all these scientific methods.

“It will make me stronger and more aware of what I should be doing. He will get me off the range and into the gym instead of spending too many hours beating my head against a brick wall.

“It will take time but already I am feeling the difference. It will be good for me.”

Eagerly awaiting the Irish Open’s return to his beloved Portrush for the first time since 1947, Clarke is excited by the year ahead and keen to make a fresh start.

“I got tired and run down at the end of last year and got a little fed up with everything,” admitted the Open champion.

“I felt I was working like crazy and not getting anywhere. It was very frustrating but I have had two and a half weeks off now with barely touching a club and I’m looking at the Christmas break as the end of it all.

“I can draw a curtain on 2011 now and look forward to the New Year and a new start.”