Clarke protégé McIlroy gets chance to shine
Darren Clarke has secured an invitation for one of his Golf Foundation graduates to play in the Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters at the Forest of Arden next week.
Rory McIlroy, one of the most exciting prospects in Irish amateur golf, will tee it up against the likes of Clarke, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.
McIlroy, still only 15 and recent winner of the West of Ireland Championship, has earned glowing praise since Clarke first spotted his potential three years ago at his Foundation.
“Rory has a special talent and I had no reservations about seeking an invitation for him to play,” said the Ryder Cup star. “I am sure he will enjoy and benefit from the experience.”
McIlroy is not the only young amateur to feature. Jordan Finlay, winner of the 2004 Daily Telegraph junior title, also plays.
And Finlay has another important date before he plays. A special room has been set aside at the resort’s hotel so he can sit his English GCSE examination.
The two youngsters will be joined in the Wednesday pro-am by Melissa Reid, the Daily Telegraph girls winner, and 12-year-old Scot Carly Booth, who plays off a two handicap already and was part of Sandy Lyle’s winning team last year.
