Clarke introduces new junior golf initiative

Each of these two projects are designed to give more young golfers across Ireland an opportunity to tap into some of the excellent golfing facilities and PGA professionals the Island has to offer.

The Darren Clarke Golf Tour is a series of mini golf tours that are being set up on a regional basis across the island of Ireland in order that young golfers have a chance to play ‘on tour’ without having to travel large distances in order to compete.

The Tour is open to all golfers aged under 21 on 1st January 2013 with a recognised handicap of 28 and less for boys and 36 and less for girls. There are various categories to play in, with a number of prizes for overall, scratch and handicap sections. The players will be competing in an order of merit for their playing category with the leading player from each ‘Tour Area’ winning an invite to the Darren Clarke Golf Tour Players Championship at the end of the season.

The Tour is being set up in four regions across the island of Ireland, allowing as many young golfers as possible to play ‘on tour’ on some of the finest golf courses around.

Darren said: “This is an exciting opportunity for young golfers to experience what it is like to be on a tour and I am glad to be supporting it. This could be the beginning of something great for these players who may one day go on to compete on the European Tour.”

The Tour has also launched a volunteer scheme. The scheme provides an opportunity to volunteer as a tournament controller. These volunteers are affectionately known as ‘Golf Makers’ and aid in the development of junior golf throughout the country. If you are interested in becoming a ‘Golf Maker’ or participating on the Tour please contact Darren Clarke Golf Tour.

Meanwhile, Darren is also launching a brand new coaching initiative – Darren Clarke Golf Camps. Darren hopes that his name will encourage junior golfers to attend the three-day coaching camps which have been successfully trialled at his full-time schools in Antrim.

More than sixteen 3-day coaching camps aimed at 7 – 16 year olds. The PGA professionals will deliver the tuition following the structure set in place by Darren and his team. During the course of the Camp there will be a number of Skills Challenges which will create a national leaderboard. The top golfers at the end of the season will win a place at the Darren Clarke Golf Camps National Final, where the best performers from the Darren Clarke Golf Tour and Darren Clarke Golf Camps will compete. The overall winner of the Darren Clarke Golf Camps will get the opportunity to visit the Darren Clarke Golf School in Antrim and, schedule permitting, the chance to meet Darren himself and maybe take him on for a few holes!

Darren has committed his team to driving junior golf forward in 2013 and with the three initiatives (Tour, Camps & School) he now spearheads, we are sure it will be a success. Darren has also gained the support of some of his existing sponsors who will be providing a variety of prizes and equipment across all initiatives.

Darren said: “This is a fantastic initiative for young golfers. There will be Camps all over Ireland which will make this golf training initiative accessible to so many. I’m looking forward to following the skills test results and I am tempted to have a go myself!”