Clarke confirmed for Northern Ireland Masters

Tyrone's Darren Clarke will head the field for the inaugural Northern Ireland Masters to be played at Clandeboye in September…

Tyrone's Darren Clarke will head the field for the inaugural Northern Ireland Masters to be played at Clandeboye in September.

The new Challenge Tour event, scheduled for September 11th-14th, will also feature Co Antrim favourite Graeme McDowell in a tournament promoted by both his and Clarke's management company.

With a total prize fund of £150,000, the rewards on offer won't be quite what the European Tour regulars have become accustomed but any winnings Clarke does earn will be donated to the Darren Clarke Foundation, an initiative to help develop junior gold in Ireland.

"I've never played in a Challenge Tour event and I'm delighted to confirm my participation in the Northern Ireland Masters," Clarke said. "It will be great to play competitively in Northern Ireland again after a gap of ten years."