Doonbeg scheme boon for budding golfers

A SCHEME by Doonbeg Golf Club to offer a scholarship at a top US college has been praised by an Irish golfer already on campus Stateside.

Irish international Aaron O’Callaghan is midway through his second year of an athletic scholarship at Division One golf school Southeastern Louisiana University. He described Doonbeg’s offer of a four-year scholarship to Georgia Southern University as a “life-changing chance”.

The scholarship, created by Doonbeg Golf Club member Marshal Mize and the club’s founder Buddy Darby, will be given to a young golfer selected from applicants who must show significant results, handicap and educational qualifications.

O’Callaghan said: “I think it’s great what Doonbeg are doing. I spoke to (Southeastern Louisiana) Coach (Tim) Baldwin this morning about the issue and he couldn’t believe the deal. It really is a great opportunity.”

O’Callaghan, from Cork club Douglas, wholeheartedly endorses college life in America for budding golfers and he added: “It was something that I wanted to do from an early age and I was very lucky as I was approached by many colleges.

“I really believe that it is the best way to improve your golf. Having been in college 18 months I’ve improved vastly in every part of my game and still have three-and-a-half more years.”

By the time he has finished, O’Callaghan believes he will be well prepared for life on the professional tour, as does his SLU team-mate and fellow Douglas member Peter O’Keeffe, who will precede him later this year by turning pro.

“I came here and set a plan out knowing that it’s all preparation for the pro game with the long hours in the gym and on the course, not to mention the travelling around the US,” O’Callaghan said.

“It isn’t easy being away from home but the feeling of homesickness passes.

“For me I just asked myself what I would be doing at home in the rain. The golf programme here at Southeastern really is first class.”

Doonbeg’s offer has been driven through by the club’s head pro Brian Shaw, who played on the La Salle University men’s team in Philadelphia.

“I met Mr Shaw before when I played Doonbeg,” O’Callaghan said, “and he will tell you himself of the amazing college experience. It seems to be a perfect match for all the lads from Ireland I know.

“It is very difficult to find the right place for an Irish guy but places like Georgia (Southern) are the cream of the crop.”