A Donegal-based golfer doing a year-long challenge for Samaritans Ireland is encouraging anyone struggling this Christmas to pick up the phone and seek support.
Luke Clark, originally from Dublin and now living in Donegal, has set himself the task of going from a 19.6 handicap golfer to scratch in just 365 days. The challenge, which began in October, is called Scratch for Good and combines Luke’s passion for improving his swing with a charity goal.
Throughout the year, Luke will donate €1 for every shot he finishes over par in every round he plays, with all proceeds going directly to Samaritans and their 24/7 mental health support services.
Luke said the idea grew from doubts about whether such a dramatic improvement was possible. “People were telling me ‘I don’t think it’s possible’ and a lot of people online were trying to make a bet with me, so I thought, what’s the best way to put a positive spin on it?”
Luke chose to dedicate his challenge to Samaritans Ireland and hopes to finish the year with a significant pot of funds to donate.
“The support so far has been really strong and it puts focus on a topic that is so important, especially at this time of year,” he said.
Now a member of Letterkenny Golf Club and Portsalon Golf Club, Luke says golf has been a vital outlet for him since 2021, particularly as he battled his own demons. “Getting out on the course during Covid times, being amongst friends, golf was an outlet for me to find clarity and focus on something when life was maybe chaotic,” he said.
“Being able to get out and have conversations, not just about stressful things in life, but just talking, really helps.
“That outlet for me was massive, so I would love to help start a conversation for people to be able to reach out and have a conversation with Samaritans,” he added.
Samaritans volunteers in Ireland and Northern Ireland provided 126,000 hours of support to callers last year, offering a vital lifeline to people struggling to cope.
Luke hopes the challenge will encourage more open conversations around mental health, particularly during the winter months.
“Samaritans is an incredible service. They are there to help and support. This time of year, people can feel loneliness and isolation, and their team is there to listen and support with no judgement or expectations,” he said.
“If you feel you need someone to talk to or listen, reach out to Samaritans. They are there to help.”
Members of the public are invited to follow Luke’s progress on Instagram @lukeclark_golf, where he is sharing the highs and lows of the journey. Golfers from across the country are also welcome to join him for a round along the way.
He has played nearly every golf course in Donegal, with only Cloughaneely still to be crossed off the list.
Luke Clark’s Scratch for Good Challenge began in October
Currently, Luke’s shots over par are resulting in donations of around €15 to €20 per round. As his game improves, he hopes to build his contacts and continue building awareness and support for the challenge.
All funds raised through Scratch for Good will be donated to Samaritans Ireland, with the year set to conclude with the Scratch for Good Charity Golf Day in 2026.
Every shot counts and every euro helps, so if you would like to donate, simply visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/scratchforgood1
Luke is also running a Christmas giveaway with Letterkenny Driving Range, where supporters who donate between now and New Year’s Eve are entered into a draw for a 2-Hour Trackman Simulator Voucher at Letterkenny Driving Range.
For more, visit www.lukeclarkgolf.com and www.samaritans.org
Contact the Samaritans: If you need someone to talk to, day or night, get in touch on 116 123, at jo@samaritans.org, or in another way that suits you.
Golfer hopes charity challenge will help people reach out this Christmas was last modified: December 24th, 2025 by Rachel McLaughlin
