Darren Clarke Students Victorious in Kent

Darren Clarke Golf School dominated the team category of the British Schools and Colleges National finals at Prince's Golf Club in Kent this week.

Six students from the academy in Co Antrim helped the team to the net and gross competition honours, with a cumulative gross score of 293, seven clear of runners-up, The Golf School, who are coached by Sky Sports pundit and renowned coach Denis Pugh.

Their first time at the event, the Darren Clarke disciples, Ireland's only representatives, competed against 19 teams who had reached the final from regional qualifying competitions.

Graham Mackay, coach, said: "What an amazing feeling winning the event on our first attempt against the best teams across the UK."

Second year student, John-Ross Galbraith, fired a one under-par 70 to have the best individual gross of the day, helping the team to a 73.25 average.

The winning team was Galbraith, James McVicker, Conor Gorevan, Alex Doyle, Brian Carroll and Karl McCormack.

However, ecstasy was mixed with agony for Lee Westwood Golf School player Josh Robertson, who scored a hole in one on the 188-yard 7th hole and would have received £7500 for the feat, only the cash prize was for the following day.

Harry Woan of Moulton put in his claim for shot of the day with an albatross on the 16th, holing out from 242 yards with a 3-wood.

The Players Championships were played on the Himalayas and Shore courses the day following the team event, and Jack Yule (Lee Westwood Golf School) took the trophy with a two under-par 69.

In the girls' competition Gee Won Park of Hartpury recorded a gross 75 to claim the spoils and also a Galvin Green prize.