Local Deputy Course Manager to play a role in this year’s Ryder Cup

For the Deputy Course Manager at Castlerock Golf Club will be playing his part in what is set to be another enthralling battle between Europe and the USA.

The Limavady man may not be taking to the sublime fairways and greens of Gleneagles with his bag of clubs, but he will however being doing all he can to help the likes of Graeme McDowell and Rickie Fowler produce the put on a show for the global television audience.

Damien will join the team at the world famous venue near Perth to work on the The PGA® Centenary Course, which was created by Jack Nicklaus, and he is relishing the challenge.

“It really doesn’t get much better than this,” Damien told Times Sport before heading off.

“To be involved at the very pinnacle of any sport is fantastic, and in golf they don’t come much bigger than the Ryder Cup.”

Damien has previous experience working at the venue, which was described by course designer Nicklaus as ‘the finest parcel of land in the world I have ever been given to work with’.

“I was there for four years between 1997 to 2001,” he explained.

“It’s an unbelievable set up as you would expect from a world class golf course.

“Having worked there I was contacted about getting involved with the Ryder Cup, as they want people with previous experience.

“It was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“It’s going to be an amazing experience. As with events of these stature money isn’t really an issue, everything is done to perfection.

“I just can’t wait to get there to sample the atmosphere and get started.”

Damien’s day will start pretty early, but he will hopefully be able to sample some of the action too.

“We will probably be starting around 4.30am to get the course set up for the day’s play,” explained Damien, who has worked at Castlerock for five years.

“After that it will be a case of being ready if needed during the day, but we should be able to watch some of the rounds.

“Then once the day’s play has finished we’ll be back out again doing some preparation for the next day.”

So who does Damien think will be celebrating on Sunday?

“I think it is very hard to look past Europe,” said Damien.

“They just seem to have a stronger team and the Ryder Cup always seems to bring the best out in the guys.

“Hopefully Rory and GMac can help fire them to glory again.”