Northern Ireland

Captain Clarke tees off Ryder Cup trophy tour from home

The Ryder Cup Trophy Tour getting underway from Royal Portrush Golf Club yesterday morning. The Trophy Tour was officially launched by European captain Darren Clarke. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The Ryder Cup Trophy Tour getting underway from Royal Portrush Golf Club yesterday morning. The Trophy Tour was officially launched by European captain Darren Clarke. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin The Ryder Cup Trophy Tour getting underway from Royal Portrush Golf Club yesterday morning. The Trophy Tour was officially launched by European captain Darren Clarke. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

DARREN Clarke took the Ryder Cup to his home club of Royal Portrush as a transatlantic tour to showcase the famous trophy kicked off in Northern Ireland.

The European team captain said it was "very special" to be able to start the international roadshow so close to home.

"To have the Ryder Cup trophy tour start off here in Northern Ireland is very, very special and to have it here at Royal Portrush – I only live up on the hill up there – so it's wonderful to start off here," he said.

The trophy will visit a number of European destinations over the coming months, helping to build excitement ahead of September's showdown between Europe and the US at Hazeltine, Minnesota.

After being hand-delivered to Royal Portrush by Clarke, the Ryder Cup visited Portrush harbour and Dunluce Castle on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, fans will have the opportunity to get close to the coveted prize in Belfast.

"It's one of those iconic trophies that people don't really get the opportunity to see and with the tour it's going to let people see it," said former Open champion Clarke.

The Ryder Cup will be on public display at City Hall in Belfast from 9am-10.30am today and The Dome at Victoria Square from 11am-9pm.