UCD will keep best at home

AN AMBITIOUS project to halt the drain of Ireland's top young golfers to colleges in the United States is to be undertaken by University College Dublin, trend setters in so many sporting concepts in this country.

Although UCD Golf Club are considered the elite nomads of Irish golf - with no course of their own, but with access to some of the best golfing terrain in the world - the proposal would dramatically expand on the current scholarship programme, which includes Irish champion Peter Lawrie, and lead to the establishment of a centre for excellence with an official coach and modern facilities.

The American collegiate system has resulted in many success stories, and offers a proven gateway to the professional game. European number one, Colin Montgomerie, and Ryder Cup candidate Paul McGinley are among those who have benefitted enormously from their time in the States, while Walker Cup hopeful Keith Nolan, of Bray, and Richie Coughlan, from Birr, are among the current crop of Irish internationals who have improved their game on US scholarships.

But the American way of life doesn't suit everyone, as East of Ireland champion Noel Fox and Bryan Omelia - who have returned home after relatively brief stints over there - would testify. And UCD aim to provide such a tempting alternative to US colleges that Ireland's top players will decide to stay at home, availing of the planned new set up and the opportunity to hone their games on top courses, instead of taking their talents abroad.

Dr David Sheahan, a former Walker Cup player and three time Irish champion, in his capacity as President of UCD GC, and Diarmuid O Siochain, who is President of the UCD Graduates Golf Society, are among the prime movers behind the progressive plan. Indeed, a small sub committee - comprising Sheahan O Siochain, Walker Cup player Jody Fanagan and GUI Leinster Branch President Paddy Murphy - has already been formed and will endeavour to identify suitable candidates for scholarships from this year's Leaving Certificate students.

Ironically, UCD, who have spawned national champions (Sheahan and Lawrie) and Walker Cup players (Sheahan and Fanagan), have no facilities at all, however, a major drive aimed at some of Irish industry's "fat cats", with tax break incentives, is now under way. Among the project's immediate targets is the construction of a modern driving range, with covered bays and floodlighting, practice putting green and a pitching green with practice bunkers.

Also, an important part of the initiative will be the appointment of an official coach whose job will be to groom the elite first team panel and, where appropriate, to liaise with the GUI's national coach, Howard Bennett.

"We envisage our proposals will have a huge input on the development of our future stars. We're incredibly lucky to have such a guy as Peter (Lawrie) as a marketing tool, but we believe it is important to offer as much support as is possible to players to enable them develop their games at home, to achieve the highest levels of academic and sporting achievements," said O Siochain.

UCD don't have their own course, although regular opportunities exist to play the likes of Portmarnock, Royal Dublin, Luttrellstown Castle, Milltown and Grange. In the initial concept, it was intended that UCDGC would eventually move towards the construction of its own course; however, a more feasible idea being investigated is the provision of a golf court, which could be developed on an area of land as small as six acres.

The improved scholarships programme - attracting the brightest and most talented young golfers to College" and ensuring "Irish students don't have to go abroad in order to realise their potential" - along with the appointment of a coach and development of practice facilities - remain the immediate target.

But an indication of UCD's desire to help its players is that Lawrie and Fox will this week be brought over to play Royal St George's, venue for the British Amateur championship, as part of their quest to claim Walker Cup places this year.

The Director of Sport in UCD, Dr Tony O'Neill is enthusiastic about golf's potential on the campus and UCD's role in nurturing young talent. "I'm impressed with the element of self starting being demonstrated by the club and society. Peter Lawrie has shown it is possible to develop from a home base and, ultimately, I'd like to see the college develop to such an extent that we will challenge strongly for one of the main club competitions."