Clarke will play in India despite car accident

An unbylined, Associated Press report out of Dubai, says that 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke was recently in a, "minor car accident." By the sounds of it, the man long thought to be a favorite for the 2014 European Ryder Cup Captaincy until he pulled his name out of consideration and Irishman Paul McGinely got the nod, seems to be OK.

Here's the AP report:

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The manager of Darren Clarke says the 2011 British Open champion will play as scheduled in India next week, despite being injured in a minor car accident.

Andrew Chandler says Clarke suffered a stiff neck and "just needed to rest this week." Clarke was a passenger in the car involved in the accident last week. Chandler didn't provide other details.

Clarke will be one of 24 players taking part in next week's inaugural Pearl Golf Premier League. The event, inspired by cricket's Indian Premier League, features eight franchises that have bought the players at an auction. The teams take part in a 14-hole competition rather than the traditional 18 at the Aamby Valley golf course from Feb. 7-10.