Clarke - Tiger Woods is a contender

British Open Champion Darren Clarke believes former world number one Tiger Woods can win this week's USPGA Championship.

The Ulsterman was paired with Woods for the first two rounds in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone CC.

It was the first tournament Woods had played since a 12-week absence due to a knee and achilles tendon injury.

Clarke believes on the signs Woods showed at Firestone, he can certainly trouble the leaders in the final Major of the year.

Finishing tied for 37th after three birdies from the last four holes in his final round the signals suggest Major number 15 could be on the way.

Clarke says, "I thought his game was pretty good, albeit I was chopping out of the trees an awful lot, so I didn't get to see it up close that much.

"I thought he hit an awful lot of really, really good golf shots and to come back after a long lay-off, you can practise as much as you want, but until you actually put yourself back into a competitive arena it's totally different.

"He got last week under his belt and I'm sure this week, if Tiger plays the golf he can, I have no doubt he can be in contention."