Pros issue local golfers charity challenge

Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell are among the pros to have given their backing to the event whichchallenges golfers to play four different courses in just one epic day. Teeing off at sunrise on Friday 18 June, each group of four will need to play 72 holes in 16 hours covering 15 miles of fairways in a Stableford competition.

Fifty-three courses across Northern Ireland have already signed up to take part including the prestigious Royal Portrush.

Rory McIlroy said: "I'm delighted to put my name to this worthy venture. I'm fully aware of the devastating effects that muscular dystrophy can have on the body so anything that can be done to raise awareness and money towards research is both admirable and necessary.“

Darren Clarke agreed saying: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to encourage people to take part in the Four Course Classic in any way they can. I know just how debilitating musuclar dystrophy can be so as much money as possible needs to be raised to help increase awareness and fund necessary research programmes."

Graeme McDowell added: "It sounds like a great challenge, and I hope that local clubs and players across Northern Ireland get behind it in support of a great charity.”

Also backing the Four Course Classic are Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey, Northern Ireland’s representatives at the 2007 golf World Cup, and Ryder Cup-winning captain Sam Torrance.

To sign up your team head to www.fourcourseclassic.co.uk and select your courses. For just a 25 registration fee, each player will receive their four complimentary tee times, golf kit including balls and a polo shirt, and full fundraising support to help you raise as much sponsorship as possible.

All money raised from the Four Course Classic will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, the leading UK charity focusing on muscle disease.