Consistent Clarke sets sights high

Whangarei golfer Dale Clarke proved just how far he has developed since he turned professional with a fifth place in the $100,000 Brian Perry Classic in Hamilton last week.
Chatting with the 23-year-old gives you the feeling that he's on his way up in the world of professional golf and he could be Northland's next international sporting success.
It was his best result in a high profile professional tournament in this country and in many ways it allowed people to measure how far the Melbourne-based golfer  has improved since he turned pro two years ago. He finished just one shot adrift of New Zealand's top ranked golfer, David Smail, who tied with Josh Carmichael for third behind winner Andrew Searle.
Clarke was pleased with his showing in the tournament on two counts. Firstly, it demonstrated to his supporters in New Zealand the level of golf he is beginning to reach on a regular basis.
"I've finally managed to lose the one bad round that always used to let me down, they're becoming a rare thing," he said. Secondly, like any struggling pro, Clarke was relieved by the size of his cheque.
"It will help to get the credit card out of the red," he said with a laugh.
The life of an emerging professional isn't an easy one but Clarke is young, has few expenses other than golf and is willing to make the sacrifice to reach his potential. He is enjoying life on the road.
 "I often catch myself thinking, I wouldn't be happy doing that for a job, being a golf pro isn't a bad job really."
His lack of commitments - except to  fiance Alecia - means he can live relatively simply. Fortunately for him, Alecia also enjoys the travelling aspect of his job and joins him on the tour when she can get away. Clarke said she is looking into doing a sports therapy and massage course, so they can consider her as an "employee" on tour at some stage.
Clarke has a been enjoying a "break" of two weeks back in New Zealand and is particularly optimistic about his October target of breaking into the US PGA tour by passing through two qualifying schools.
"I definitely think it's a very realistic goal, I'm definitely aiming to get through to the second stage of qualifying and if I do that I'll be through to the Nationwide tour and, ideally, you would get your card straight away," he said.
"I've seen quite a few of Nationwide players in action at the Moonah Classic and many of the guys in New Zealand could match it with them week in and week out but it can be a matter of finding the resources to keep improving."
He is happy with his game and with the changes he has made  after spending some rare face-to- face time with his coach Craig Dixon in Auckland.
Most  of his coaching is normally carried out online using video to measure his progress.
When he arrives back in Victoria, he has nine days of Pro Ams in and around Adelaide to play in before his second year of taking part in the Australian PGA's Pacific tour.
Clarke has agreed to share some of his experiences with the people of Northland as he prepares for his October showdown by way of a regular column in the Northern Advocate.