In August 1990, Darren Clarke became the first player from amateur ranks to entrust a professional future to the management skills of Andrew Chandler. This week, his company reaches the milestone of having 12 clients in the field at Druids Glen. And six of them are Irish.

"To all intents and purposes, I was broke when I started International Sports Management less than a year before Darren joined us," Chandler said yesterday. "Now, I've got a company that would make me a millionaire if I were to sell it." Then he quickly added with a smile: "But it's not for sale."

Of course it's all about percentages. And with Lee Westwood as his leading client, it's not too difficult for Chandler to balance the books these days. Any doubts about the players getting a good deal, however, would be dispelled by the sight of him darting around the Druids Glen complex yesterday, attending to their needs like a mother hen.

"Last week, when a business psychologist asked Darren what his attitude was like, the reply he got was `I'm a complete nightmare'," added the 44-year-old Englishman. "The guy looked at me blankly, wondering how I coped.

"It's essentially about man management, and I suppose I've had to become an amateur psychologist. But I'm also a best friend, a big brother, a shoulder to cry on. And I've got to ensure that I'm even-handed with players who are all different - individuals with contrasting problems."

His clients in action this week are: Clarke, Paul McGinley, Peter Lawrie, Raymond Burns, David Higgins and Francis Howley, all from Ireland, along with Westwood, Andrew Coltart, David Howell, Stuart Cage, Richard Boxall and Ian Garbutt. In fact the only player missing from Chandler's "stable" of 13 is 26year-old Greg Owen, who was not sufficiently highly ranked from last November's Qualifying School.

In certain respects, Chandler's success has been remarkable. Yet it is not too difficult to understand, given his background as a journeyman professional who learned all aspects of the tournament scene, frequently the hard way.

"This week, I'll be looking at Lee, Darren, Paul and Andrew as possible winners," he said. "Then, after his eighth-place finish in the French Open last weekend, I will be looking to David Howell to get back into contention again.

"And I'll keep an eye on Ian Garbutt, who has made 10 cuts in 13 tournaments so far this season and is a really fine ball-striker. In fact, as Darren might say, `he's a proper player'."

Chandler went on: "Sure, there are times when relationships become a little edgy; when I can't understand why some of them aren't performing better. But we sort out our problems and look to the next tournament.

"It's been a wonderfully exciting time."