Time to inspire and produce a homegrown champion

Mark Conway • Published 29 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Padraig Harrington's second shot to the 17th ended up in a watery grave.

There can be no doubting the importance of the annual Lough Erne Challenge in terms of promoting the whole Resort, in terms of promoting Fermanagh and helping the project be economically sustainable in both the short and long term by exposing it to a worldwide market.

The match is also symbolic and a testament to Jim Treacy and his team at Lough Erne in what they have achieved already and the potential that lies ahead.

Important also, is the fact that it is simply a great chance for local sports and golf fans to get up, close and personal with some of the best golfers in the world.

But setting aside the economic importance, wouldn't it be great if this annual event was to be the inspiration that sees Fermanagh produce a talent capable of competing at this level?

It has long been argued that our remoteness in the west of the Province has hindered our development of top class sporting talents. Only the most dedicated were able to spread their wings and make it nationally and internationally.

The likes of Jimmy Cleary and Gordon Ferris showed what was capable and now we have the likes of triathlete Gavin Noble and footballers Roy Carroll, Kyle Lafferty and Andrew Little, professional athletes competing at the top end of the sporting spectrum.

It was also interesting to listen to the immediate post-match press conference at which the four golfers talked about the course, talked about their sport and all agreed that there is a feel good factor in Irish golf that has seldom been seen.

Three of the four golfers, McIlroy, Clarke and Lowry finished in the top 50 at The Open the week previous, Graeme McDowell has just won the US Open and Rory McIlroy has won on the US Tour as a 21-year-old while Darren Clarke has just been named as a Ryder Cup vice-captain. Padraig Harrington may be going through a quiet spell but he has three majors already in the back pocket and Shane Lowry won the Irish Open as an amateur.

Moreover, the four golfers were keen to praise the Golfing Union of Ireland for their work with their academy based at Carton House.

Harrington outlined that in the past, professional golfers such as David Feherty and Eamon Darcy came through the pro-shop ranks where now the likes of Rory and Shane Lowry are spotted at a young age, developed in the right manner and ready to turn professional at a young age with the right preparation to be competitive on the European Tour.

The potential is spotted at an early age and developed accordingly just as it would be in any sport.

To this end, the development of a golf academy at Lough Erne must be welcomed as is Liam McCool's academy at Ashwoods. Young golfers need the right direction from a young age for their talent to be maximised.

Young Castle Hume player Daniel Daly took part in last year's Faldo Series at Lough Erne. What we need is more young players developed in the right manner through academies and exposed to competitions such as the Faldo Series or Scratch Cups around the country.

It has oft been said that Lough Erne can be the jewel in the Fermanagh tourism crown and benefit the whole local economy. But that benefit can also be sporting and if days such as Wednesday prove to be an inspiration to young golfers in the county to pick up a club, then it is vital that the right coaching framework is in position to nuture that talent.

If this can be attained, then there is no reason why Fermanagh cannot produce its very own golfing champion.

Lisa and Leona Maguire are further proof that the latent talent exists, we just need to be able to discover it more easily and develop it accordingly.

It is a big challenge but one that is more and more achievable and possible after days like last Wednesday.

Let's see what the next ten years brings.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 29 Jul 10

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