'You wouldn't think I was a member here'
The 2011 Open winner struggled with one birdie and six bogeys in his opening 16 holes.
However, the 56-year chipped in from the rough on the 17th to collect a shot back and his aim is to make the cut for the weekend.
"Four over par wasn't what I was hoping for," Clarke told BBC Sport NI.
"In my practice I was hitting the ball nicely, putting nicely and doing everything well.
"But that's golf, today it didn't quite happen."
Clarke admits his performance on the front nine was littered with "stupid mistakes" that left him questioning 'what am I doing?'.
"On the front nine I hit shots that wouldn't make you think I was a member here," he added.
"But the chip in on 17 was a huge bonus and it was nice to do something good and positive for the day. I just need to play well tomorrow."
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