GOLF: Clarke launches Golf Academy

The Ryder Cup star was at Royal Portrush last week to officially launch the project, which he hopes will help get more kids interested in the sport.

"The Academy provides an opportunity for kids to come along and learn the game and also enjoy themselves," he said.

"It's an exciting initiative for me and a chance to get kids involved in golf.

"We have Graeme McDowell, Gareth Maybin, obviously Rory McIlroy all doing well so Northern Ireland has a lot of players succeeding on tour.

"And the more chances we can give kids to do the same as these players, the better.

"It's about getting kids to enjoy the game, getting them to ask questions.

"It's like in all the things I have been doing with kids through my Foundation — you tend to find they are very shy to ask questions. If you can get one to ask a question then they all start asking questions.

"For such a small country, Northern Ireland has had a lot of success in golf. A lot of people play the game at club level as well.

"Even if we can get kids playing the game at club level that's important because it's promoting the game."

The Academy, in partnership with The Co-operative Food, will be staged throughout Ireland over the school summer holidays, offering top quality coaching for boys and girls aged 7-16 years.

For more information or to book a place contact Activate Sport on 0800 345 7480 or visit www.darrenclarkegolfacademy.com . Dates: August 16-18: Greenmount Campus, Co Antrim; August 18-20: Blackwood Golf Club, Co Down; August 18-20: Carton House, Co Kildare; August 23-25: Carton House, Co Kildare; August 24-26: Blackwood Golf Club, Co Down; August 25-27: Greenmount Campus, Co Antrim.