Kerr, who turned 18 years last week, will join the Academy based within the CAFRE Greenmount Campus in County Antrim next month to begin a two-year programme designed to cover areas such as the game, education, lifestyle, fitness and mental skills.

Adam Kerr heading to the Darren Clarke Golf School Academy. (Photo - Portadown Times.)

The venue’s highlights included an eight-bay driving range and video analysis studio, with the programme supported by the Golfing Union of Ireland.

“You have to pass an application process, with only 10 or 12 selected each season, as far as I understand,” said Kerr. “The aim is to complete two years then continue my golf education either across the water or at university in America.

“I will be based at the Academy from Monday to Friday and am obviously really looking forward to the experience.”

Kerr’s progress on the course this year has included the teenager completing Loughgall under par for the first time and a string of encouraging appearances across the circuit for under 18s and under 21s.

“I have won three successive gross prizes at Loughgall, including Captain’s Day,” said Kerr. “I also won a gross prize at the Dundalk Open and recently took part in Munster and Ulster competitions.

“It is all part of the learning process at this point but my results have certainly improved.

“My main problem so far in championships has been shaking off those first-day nerves.

“I seem to struggle on the opening day then, with nothing to lose, my game returns to normal.

“I will also be heading to St Andrews in September with some of my Loughgall team-mates so it is an exciting period.

“Kris Hunniford has been a great help in terms of coaching advice and I would spend most days at his SIM GOLF 365 venue in Portadown.

“Wayne Telford, who is also from Portadown and now professional, is also always willing to pass on advice.

“Support from sponsors such as Mike Jefferson at Enzo’s Gym has also been a big help.”

FOOTNOTE –

One of the recent gratuates from the Academy was Jordan Patmore who will continue his golf/educational progress at Birmingham University after being accepeted onto the prestigious AGMS PGA course.

Jordan also the School’s 2012 Order of Merit, winning a set of TaylorMade woods and irons.

*  Story and photo of Adam Kerr – Portadown Times.