The Northern Ireland golfer - who was runner-up to Zara Phillips in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award last night - was devastated when his wife Heather died from breast cancer four months ago.

But Darren has revealed that his friendship with mother-of-six Nikki Regan, who helped him cope with his loss, has now developed into "something more".

He said the couple were taking things slowly for the sake of his two young sons - eight-year-old Tyrone and six-year-old Conor - but that Heather's family had been completely supportive of the blossoming relationship.

The Ryder Cup hero also revealed that he had not yet slept with 39-year-old Nikki, who is separated from her husband Andrew.

In an interview with The Sun today, Darren said: "Heather's death was so painful. I was devastated and didn't know how I was going to carry on.

"But Nikki was a true friend and helped ease the pain. Neither of us knows what's ahead but we get on really well and make each other happy."

The Clarkes met Nikki two years ago when their elder son Tyrone became school pals with her youngest son Sam.

The golf star said that meeting another woman after Heather's death had been the "last thing" on his mind but that he had gradually developed feelings for Nikki as she comforted him through the tough times.

Describing Nikki as "very special", he said: "Our feelings for each other are growing stronger day by day."

He said he knew some people would disapprove.

"I know some people might read this and think it's too soon but Nikki and I are keeping our feet on the ground and taking things gradually," he said.

"We haven't even slept together yet."

Darren said he had been totally honest with Heather's family about his feelings for Nikki but that he had been encouraged by their support.

"The boys obviously realise Nikki and I are good friends but they're only six and eight. It's too soon to sit them down and explain what's going on as the relationship is so new," he said.

"They adored their mum and still cry for her, which is why Nikki and I are taking things very gently and very slowly.

"Photos of Heather are everywhere in the house and always will be. For the first time in a while, I'm starting to feel happy again but the future will always be tinged with sadness because of who I've lost.

"But as I said before, life goes on and Nikki and I are doing nothing wrong. We're trying to carry on as best we can."

He said no woman would ever replace Heather.

"What makes Nikki special is that she completely understands and supports me on this," he said.

Darren's manager Andrew "Chubby" Chandler said it was "early days" for the relationship.

"They have been spending time together and it would be wrong for people to assume that this is a massive love affair.

"Whatever happens, he will never forget Heather and the love and great memories they shared together," he said.

In Portrush, a neighbour of Heather's mother Anne Tosh voiced support and said: "How long must you grieve? Darren and Heather were both reconciled to the inevitable."

Portrush is happy for Ryder Cup star

As Darren Clarke's spoke of the new woman in his life, the news was greeted warmly in Heather's home town on the north coast. Graham Bardgett reports

A woman in his life again - but he still loves Heather.

Reports that Nikki Regan is Darren Clarke's new love were common knowledge in Portrush.

For as Heather Clarke, who grew up and was married in Portrush, battled with breast cancer for five years until she died this summer, locals knew that another woman was a friend to them both.

For a man to cry after the glory of winning the Ryder Cup, it shows his deep love for his wife, associates of Darren Clarke said yesterday.

But how long must a man grieve after losing her asked family friends and golfers at Royal Portrush Golf Club, just hours before he was named runner-up in the Sports Personality of the Year 2006 awards.

"Perhaps some might think it too soon, but Nikki had become a friend of both of them," said one golfer.

"But we are all happy for Darren Clarke - for how long must you go on being alone after your wife dies?" he said.

Clarke's name was up there on the hallowed wooden plaque of the roll of honour at Royal Portrush, Ireland's famous golf course, right on the north Antrim coast.

Winning the Ryder Cup at the K Club was still uppermost in the minds of all his golfing friends there yesterday - and of the tragedy of Heather's death due to cancer.

They had known her for years. She had grown up in the seaside town.

It was Christmas lunch yesterday at Royal Portrush and the storms had kept many off the course.

It was five years ago - two days after Christmas 2001 - that Heather was diagnosed with cancer.

During her long battle, everyone in her home town of Portrush was praying for her, friends said yesterday.

And last night, the Presbyterian Church Minister who conducted Heather's funeral, the Rev Stephen Williamson, said: "His successes have always been for Heather. But Heather's battle against cancer certainly took its toll. It was a sad, sad day when Heather died.

"Darren's made it clear that an award in the Sports Personality of the Year should not be a sympathy vote. He will be proud to receive it. But after winning the Ryder Cup, it will be the icing on the cake for Heather's memory."

At her mother's home, just yards from the local police station, no-one was at home. But neighbours were watching and looking after the house as if part of the family, such was the respect they have for Heather and her mother.

A neighbour said: "It's at least a week that Anne Tosh, Heather's mum, had been there as she is over visiting Darren - and everyone would be watching the Sports Personality of the Year Awards."

He said he was very happy for Darren with the news of a woman friend in his life who had been a friend to both Heather and to Darren.

"How long must you grieve. Darren and Heather were both reconciled to the inevitability."

Heather's mum's home - a large semi-detached house with a red tiled roof has large, but neatly kept hedges and a lawn - looks right out over to Scotland.

"We're all still very saddened and shocked by Heather's death, but she wanted Darren to go on and win in his golf. His tears told how deep was his love. For mixed with the elation of winning the Ryder Cup, he had lost his wife. Winning was for her," said the family friend.

"Everyone knows Darren Clarke here. It's as if we all own him. But his life is his own. It's good that he has found happiness again with someone who knew Heather as well."

A past captain of the Royal Portrush Golf Club, speaking with his wife by his side, said: "Darren is an honorary member here. With all the travelling he did, life wasn't easy for them both, and we all felt for him as the tragedy engulfed them.

"But you do have to move on and we are happy for him."

Darren's deep emotions broke through before the Ryder Cup.

And even as Darren helped his European team to victory, his deep emotions were to the fore - tears in his eyes as he celebrated victory over the Americans to the cheers of the crowds.

And Darren last night was there again in front of the TV cameras, in the Sports Personality of the Year Awards, coming runner-up to the horse riding champion Zara Phillips, daughter of the Princess Royal.

But in Portrush, Heather's memory will last forever.

Darren Clarke's success was for Heather - and his memories for her will also live on.