Chris Wood looks to Clarke

Chris Woods inevitable decision to turn pro has taken a new turn as Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke has taken a deep underlying personal interest in the Bristol whizz kid.
The 21 year old finished an astonishing fifth in this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and he seems to be the latest crop of European youngsters to grace the game in recent time.
Many similarities have been apparent with Justin Rose. Rose has taken around nine years to establish himself amongst the highest elite of golf after famously finishing fourth in the Open as an amateur and with Woods, finishing fifth, ten years later; he would be hoping that he could emulate the success Rose has endured throughout his career.
Rose began well in the European Tour before taking the plunge into the US Tour as his form suffered considerably. Rose, now aged 28, has redeveloped his understanding and his own game to push on as a professional golfer and now he looks an accomplished player, still far from the finished article.
Woods career has began well as he managed to finish in another top ten position at the Portuguese Masters and slowly starts to strengthen his credibility amongst his peers.
Clarke will be able to give pointers on how to handle pressure and how to play consistently well, especially on the difficult courses. The veteran is still popular throughout the golfing circuit and Woods sheer awareness on getting the Irishman on side gives clear indication that his head is where it has to be.
It is important that Woods now has a figurehead to look up to and the mere fact that he is willing to learn is a sign of a true sportsman. His own arrogance is not affecting his own development as he keeps his feet firmly on the ground.
Currently, Woods has to go through the motion that any newly turned professional has to do, as his ambition now is to achieve his European Tour Card for 2009 and battle with the elite.