Clarke off booze, in gym in effort to turn around disappointing end to 2011

Darren Clarke says he is a "lean, mean, fighting machine" ahead of his seasonal return in South Africa this week.

The reigning British Open champion, awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year's Honors, has been off the booze and in the gym ahead of the Volvo Golf Champions at Fancourt.

Brilliant and career-defining though his victory at Royal St. George’s was -- coming 20 years after his first attempt to win the Claret Jug -- the last five months of 2011 were a big letdown for the 43-year-old Northern Irishman, and he does not want the same to be true of 2012.

"My golf career has been extended somewhat by winning the Open Championship and I just thought that enough is enough and it was time to get myself into better shape," he said.

As soon as the Christmas festivities were over, Clarke began working with Belfast-based fitness expert Jonny Bloomfield, recommended to him by Lee Westwood's trainer Steve MacGregor.

"Jonny's a sports scientist and he's got me doing all sorts in the gym, having my eyes checked out, nutrition etc.," Clarke said. "Therefore my alcohol consumption is taking a massive dint -- currently down to zero!

"However, no pain, no gain and I'm very excited about the route that we're going down" he added. "It's a long road, but I will give it my best shot."

Clarke's extraordinary win from 111th in the world makes him exempt for the Open until he is 61 and, after thinking his days competing in the Masters might be over, he will be at Augusta National for the next five Aprils.

The man who won there last spring, South African Charl Schwartzel, is his playing partner in the opening round of this week's tournament -- a 35-man no-cut event reserved for last year's European Tour winners and anyone with 10 or more victories on the circuit.