Clarke joins Doctors' club

Clarke has many successes under his belt

Dungannon golfer Darren Clarke was honoured by the University of Ulster on Monday.

Clarke, who has been a professional for 12 years, received the honorary degree of Doctor of the University (DUniv) in recognition of his services to Irish and international sport.

Wife Heather was at his side when the 33-year-old received the honour during the graduation ceremony in Coleraine.

Clarke had travelled from County Cork, where he was competing in the Irish Open at the weekend, to be at Monday's ceremony.

"It is a great honour and one I will treasure for the rest of my life," said Clarke.

"Never for one moment during my academic career did I imagine I would ever end up with a degree".

Clarke has twice been runner-up in the European Order of Merit and last month captured the English Open for the third time in four years.

Amanda Burton will receive a Doctorate

His best known win came two years ago when he captured the Andersen Consulting Matchplay championship after beating the world's top two golfers, David Duval and Tiger Woods, to clinch the title.

The Dungannon man has played on three successive European Ryder Cup teams and has three major records - most birdies (12), consecutive birdies (8) and lowest round on the European Tour (60 twice).

He is also well known for his charity work and, in 1998, organised a special pro-am event at Portmarnock in aid of the victims of the Omagh bombing.

He recently funded a Foundation in his own name to help bring youngsters into golf who would not normally get the chance.

Awards

Robert Hanna, who is presently a pro-chancellor of the university. also received an honorary degree on Monday.

He was made a Doctor of Letters for his contribution to the work of the university and to public life in Northern Ireland.

A number of other well-known faces are set to receive honorary doctorates from the university in the coming weeks.

Londonderry-born actress Amanda Burton and Sinead Cusack, a well known film actress from Dublin, will receive awards.

Catholic Archbishop Sean Brady and Church of Ireland Archbishop Robin Eames are to receive doctorates for promoting peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

Formula 1 team founder Eddie Jordan will be rewarded for services to sport while the former head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, is to receive a degree for services to higher education.