DARREN CLARKE HAS confirmed that he will rejoin the PGA Tour in 2014 despite having exemption until 2016.

The Northern Irishman’s Open Championship win in 2011 means he does not have to qualify for any events on the PGA Tour, however he has decided the time is right to return.

Since his major victory he has struggled to find his form and has not challenged for any of tournaments since.

However, he believes he is ready to compete on the tour, but denied claims he would abandon the European Tour.

“I will be taking up my US PGA Tour card next season, but that does not mean I am abandoning Europe,” he said. “I will be supporting my home Tour as usual.

I still feel I can be competitive at the highest level, I have always enjoyed America and the US Tour in the past and I am looking forward to playing there more often again.”

The 45-year-old is currently 127th in the European Tour’s Race for Dubai having finished 108th last year.

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