THE NEWLY crowned British Open Champion, Darren Clarke is coming to Dungannon - we're just not sure when!
Dungannon Golf Club has confirmed that he will be returning to the town and the course where he learned his trade, but as yet, no firm date has been given.
However, Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster, is expected to pay a visit to the Club later today (Tuesday 26th July) and while there are no details available of her agenda the Minister is likely to touch on the potential that exists for both the town and the Golf Club in relation to Darren's success.
Darren has been back in the province since lifting the Claret Jug on the 17th July at Sandwich. He travelled to his adopted home golf club, Royal Portrush, last Tuesday and was met by upwards of 1000 fans, supporters and well-wishers.
During the visit Darren presented the Gold medal he won at Royal St. George's to Royal Portrush club captain, Philip Tweedie. It will now take pride of place alongside the gold medal of Fred Daly, which he won back in 1947.
There had been speculation that Darren would return to his native Dungannon at some stage this week but with his focus turning to the Irish Open, which starts this Thursday, that has now been ruled out.
"Yes, Darren has confirmed he will be coming to Dungannon," said Dungannon Golf Club office adminstrator, Carol Burnside. "We just have to confirm a date."
In the meantime the Club are looking at ways of maximising on the opportunities that his British Open title win have presented.
And following the visit of the Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster today that process may have taken another step in the right direction.
Holywood Golf Club have been busy raising their profile following their most famous son, Rory McIlroy's recent US Open Championship victory.
"Walk the same fairways as Rory McIlroy", is how Holywood Golf Club announce themselves on Google and the Club will be hosting the Rory McIlroy Classic on 19th August. Already fully booked this fundraising event is for the development of Junior golf at Holywood and Rory will be there on the night to hand out the prizes to the lucky winners.
"We already have a number of Darren Clarke competitions," explained the Captain of Dungannon Golf Club, Joe Cavlan, "but there is udoubtedly the potential for so much more.
"We are absolutely delighted with Darren's success and want to look at the potential for maximising opportunities through our association with the new Open Champion."
And on the subject of Darren's forthcoming visit to the town and Club Joe reckons it could be at least another three weeks before that might happen.
Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 27 July 2011