Darren Clarke will start his first major of the season at Oakland Hills today excited to be back on the world stage. Clarke, who watched the first three majors of the year on television following his fall down the world rankings, will tee off in the 90th US PGA Championship courtesy of an invitation from the PGA of America.

Inspired by Padraig Harrington's victory at Royal Birkdale last month and a desire to return to Ryder Cup action at Valhalla next month - where he will probably have to rely on a captain's pick from Nick Faldo - Clarke's confidence has been boosted by last week's tied-sixth finish at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

"I really enjoyed last week at the Bridgestone," Clarke said. "I've missed the big tournaments, it's where I want to play and I want to do the same thing again this week. I watch all of them, they're the biggest events in the world.

"Part of watching it has been tough but it's been egging me on to work it out. I'm trying to get there but I watched Padraig win and the golf he played on that back nine was sensational, it was incredible to watch.

"After the struggle that he'd gone through, to be that mentally strong was fantastic to see and he thoroughly deserved his win."

This will be the second major of the year without world No1 Tiger Woods - and while golf may be missing him, he appears not to be missing it while he recuperates from knee surgery.

Woods admitted he only tuned in for the climax of The Open. "I watched the last couple of holes," said Woods. "That was it. It just didn't make any sense for me watch it.

"I probably won't watch any of this one [US PGA]. Not being able to get out there and defend something I've already defended once is too frustrating."

In an interview given to a US radio station, the notoriously private Woods revealed how he has finally started proper rehabilitation. "It's been mini-goals so far," said the 32-year-old.

"The first step was getting off crutches. Now I'm at the biking stage where I can start doing a bit of strengthening. But I've got to take it very slow. It's been a frustrating process - to be at the top of your game, moving around and doing things you want to do, then all of a sudden going to the bathroom is one of the hardest things."

Woods is setting no target date for his comeback. He said: "I know I will be hitting golf balls next year but that could be delayed by rehab, if the knee swells or any setbacks."

Woods, still four short of the record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, also revealed how his thoughts have already strayed towards retirement. And he says he'll know when to pack his clubs away.

"I won't have any problem with it," he added. "When I get to a point where my best is not good enough any more, then I'll know that it's time for me to move on."