Darren Clarke Disciple Wins Faldo event

A student from the Darren Clarke Golf School claimed the Under-18 Faldo Series Ireland Championship at Lough Erne Resort in dramatic fashion this past week.

First year student Karl McCormack, from Co. Laois, won the event on the second play-off hole and sealed progression to the Series Grand Final.

Karl, who is studying for a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport, shared the lead after an opening one-over 73, and persevered in the playoff despite a double-bogey on the 17th hole of his second round.

"The coaches at the school brought my game to this next level so thank you all, I owe this win to the coaches," said Karl.

An eagle on the 16th hole of Karl's first round saw him go round in one over-par, and that form continued the following day when he birdied two of his first four holes.

However, a double-bogey at the 17th in his second round threatened to undo all his good work. His closing four over-par round of 76 put him into a three-man playoff.

With current and past Darren Clarke Golf School students cheering him on, Karl sealed victory with a par on the second playoff hole.

Graham Mackay, coach at the Darren Clarke Golf School, said: "Karl's work ethic is fantastic and his attitude to the game is second to none, he deserves all the rewards."

Darren Clarke Golf School Operations Manager, Andy Peoples, added: "This is a fantastic win for Karl, one that will spur on not just Karl but the rest of the team as well, if the team keeps working hard they will continue to achieve great things."