BRIAN KEOGH: A dream very few can ever realise

If there’s an exact science to producing a conveyor belt of golfing talent, it’s yet to be discovered.

Top class coaching, state-of-the-art practice facilities, generous sponsors and government funding are all considered crucial but given the “closed shop” status of the game’s major tours these day, only the crème de la crème will make it to the top.

Ireland had produced four major championship winners over the past 20 years — Darren Clarke, Pádraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy.