Sutton Coldfield, England -- Darren Clarke shot a six-under-par 66 at The Belfry yesterday to take the lead at the British Masters.
Paul Casey trails by a stroke after completing a bogey-free 67 on the 7,163-yard course, which has played host to four Ryder Cups.
Clarke, whose wife is battling cancer, almost withdrew from the PGA European Tour event after a poor showing in Wednesday's pro-am. But two hours on the practice range with his coach seemed to help as he got one eagle and six birdies.
"I hit a lot of good shots and took advantage, and a lot of poor shots that weren't disastrous," said Clarke, who has not played since pulling out after the first round at the PGA Tour's Shell Houston Open last month to be with his wife.
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