Former Open champion given warm Rockmount welcome

Former Open champion given warm Rockmount welcome

25 September 2013

AFTER an absence of 18 years, Darren Clarke returned to Rockmount Golf Club last week.

The 2011 Open champion opened the club in 1995 and he was back for the Darren Clarke Charity Golf Classic.

A total of 26 four-balls competed and there was plenty to play for with a BMW car for a hole-in-one at the 12th and an Alfa Romeo for a hole-in-one at the 16th. Unfortunately, neither car was won.

Wesley Ramsey, the professional at Knockbracken Driving Range, was also in attendance and everyone playing had the opportunity to ‘beat the professional.’ Over the course of the day only seven managed to get inside Wesley’s tee shots.

Proceeds from the day were in aid of injured soldiers from the Irish Guards Regiment and the Royal Irish Regiment.

A large crowd was present to watch Darren’s four-ball, which included the world famous actor Robert Powell, Jamie Myerscroff from the K-Club in Dublin and Marco Deane, son of the chef Michael Deane.

Darren completed the course in a one under par 71, his round including three birdies at the sixth, eighth and 18th.

He thanked Rockmount Golf Club, men’s captain Glenn Willis and lady captain Noeleen Houston for their hospitality before presenting prizes to the winners and runners-up.

First in the men’s section with 41 points was Francis Ward from the Irish Guards and second was Frank Wallace, a former captain at Rockmount, with 37 points.

The ladies’ section was won with 29 points and the runner-up was Noeleen Houston with 28 points.

The rest of the evening was spent in the large marquee, where guests were welcomed by the Duke of Abercorn and treated to a splendid meal prepared in the kitchens at Rockmount under the direction of Michael Deane.

Entertainment was provided by the African National Children’s Choir, the pipes and drums of the Irish Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment and the incredibly talented Sarah Brown.

Robert Powell assumed the role of auctioneer on the night and very successfully sold an impressive array of paintings, sculptures and travel packages all donated in order to boost the funds.

Darren Clarke took to the stage to thank all those present and everyone who contributed to the success of the day.