Golf news: Darren Clarke has secured an invitation for one of his Golf Foundation graduates to play in the Dunlop Masters at the Forest of Arden next week.

Rory McIlroy, one of the most exciting prospects in Irish amateur golf, will tee it up against the likes of Clarke, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.

McIlroy, who celebrates his 16th birthday today, won the West of Ireland Championship last month, and he has earned glowing praise since Clarke first spotted his potential three years ago at his foundation.

McIlroy is not the only young amateur to feature. Jordan Finlay, winner of the 2004 Daily Telegraph junior title, also plays.

And Finlay has another important date before he plays. A special room has been set aside at the resort's hotel so he can sit his English GCSE examination.

The pair will be joined in the Wednesday pro-am by Melissa Reid, the Daily Telegraph girls winner, and 12-year-old Scot Carly Booth, who plays off a two handicap already.