A Word from Darren Clarke

Playing for Europe in the Ryder Cup has been one of my most memorable golfing experiences. Since I first played in Valderrama in Spain back in 1997, I have nothing but fond memories of each contest- even when we lost in 1999! The K-Club in Straffan has been one of my happiest hunting grounds from a golf perspective and the Palmer is one of my favourite courses. I will always remember my round of 60 in 1999 but obviously my best moment was in 2001 when I won the Smurfit European Open.

Darren Clarke with his prize for Leading Irish Player
at the 2005 Smurfit European Open. Photo: Ray Kane

In recent years other European Ryder Cup players such as my good friend Lee Westwood have tasted victory on the Palmer Course, where the Ryder Cup matches are being played, and this augurs well for Europe when the event is staged there in 2006. I for one am looking forward to qualifying and helping Europe win the cup outright for an unprecedented third consecutive occasion at the K-Club.

With the Ryder Cup coming to the K-Club in Straffan, County Kildare in 2006, Ireland has a fantastic opportunity to show golfers and tourists around the world our fantastic golf courses, and also our legendary hospitality, which is second to none.