Darren Clarke glad to see his first project is on home soil

Clarke plans to turn the picturesque estate into a 18-hole championship course and a golfing academy.

"I want to build a championship golf course that's fit to stage one of the biggest tournaments in the world," Clarke told BBC Sport.

"I would also like a course that the amateur can enjoy as well."

Northern Ireland already has two famous championship courses in Royal Co Down and Royal Portrush, and Clarke wants to emulate the status of those links.

''We have two fantastic courses in Newcastle and Portrush which are known worldwide,'' said the Ryder Cup star.

''My idea and concept is to make Gilford every bit as good as those two so that Northern Ireland would have three of the top courses in the world.

''Naturally, I'm very excited about doing my first course at home, especially somewhere as good as Gilford Castle.

''The landscape is beautiful and we will create a stunning course."

Darren will be a huge draw for golfers, beginners and fans from all over the UK and Ireland John Farmer

Planning permission for the project will be made in 2005 and will be undertaken by Gilford developers GML Estates, part of the Channel Island-based Orana Group.

The course will be over 7,000 yards around the estate and will include the River Bann as a major water feature to challenge the world's best golfers.

John Farmer, of GML Estates said that it promises to be quite a project.

''Darren's participation will help us in our international marketing efforts,'' he said.

''Plus, he will be a huge draw for golfers, beginners and fans from all over the UK and Ireland.

''We are hoping that the Darren Clarke Golf Academy will produce the next generation of Ryder Cup heroes.''