Darren Clarke's Wife Dies of Cancer...

Darren Clarke's wife, Heather, died of cancer today. (Associated Press Story via ESPN.com here). Clarke, who has not played in a tournament since the Open Championships, will continue his break from professional golf until "he feels ready" according to a statement he made. Clarke's wife was 39.

As a side story, Paul McGinley, a close friend of Clarke and Clarke's family, has withdrawn from this coming weeks PGA Championship to be at Heather Clarke's funeral. Why is this important and extremely special? McGinley is currently 10th on the European Ryder Cup standings and will only have 2 tournaments after the PGA to ensure his spot on the team, or hope that Woosnam picks him as a wild card. According to a Reuters article posted on ESPN.com (link here), McGinley stated, "Some things are more important than the Ryder Cup. It was not really a big decision, it was a decision made quite easily, to be honest. Our families are very much intertwined."

Certainly, Paul, you should be commended on staying with your friend in such a time of need.