Clarke: We are a golfing nation

EUROPE will have a Cork factor working in its favour at Killeen Castle this week — Douglas caddy Roy Clarke.

The 25-year-old California resident will return home to Maryborough Hill on Monday once his work is done in the Royal County.

Clarke wants to bring the Solheim Cup with him next week and believes his player Sandra Gal can help Europe to a famous win.

Clarke has an extra incentive to guide Germany’s Gal to victory this week — he used to work for American vice-captain Sherri Steinhauer.

“I started out as a caddy with Sherri so there will be a bit of a battle going on there,” acknowledged Clarke after a practise round on the Jack Nicklaus design yesterday.

“Sherri and myself are still the best of friends but we both know that we will be up against each other this week and both of us will be looking to win. It’s not going to be easy for Europe but with home advantage and all of Ireland behind them, the girls really want to do it.”

Clarke is using the Cork factor to help Alison Nicholas’s European underdogs this week as well.

“I have a lot of family and friends coming up from Cork to support Europe and hopefully they can help. It is great for Irish golf that the Solheim Cup is here this week and for me, as an Irishman, it is brilliant to be involved.

“We are a golfing nation. Golf runs through our blood and it is a great honour for Ireland to host this competition.”