We take our eye off the football to find out how Ben Clark likes to spend his time away from Victoria Park.

When Ben Clark isn't on the training ground or on the pitch the most likely place you'll find him is winding down on the golf course.

The 24-year-old defender has been heavily in to golf since a young age and says there's no better way to relax when he has some spare time on his hands.

"I play at Consett; it's my local course and it's one I really enjoy playing," he told Victoria Parklife.

"Often when we get a Wednesday off myself, Ritchie Humphreys and Micky Barron will head up there and get in a round.

"I find it helps me relax after a match so I try and get up there on a Sunday as well if I can just to take my mind off the football for a few hours."

Initially he was drawn in to the world of golf by a good friend who was the Club professional at Consett and has continued to play regularly since the age of 12.

Now playing off a handicap of 13, Clark says there are a few members of the squad who challenge his reputation as the best player at Pools.

"Ritchie is not bad and Michael Nelson plays too," he revealed.

"I know Lee Bullock has got in to it as well and he swings the clubs a bit - to be fair Bully's been doing well to as I think he's won a couple of competitions recently."

One of Bullock's victorious rounds was in Pools' Celebrity Golf Challenge which took place at Seaton a few weeks ago - and Clark reckons it's one of the most challenging courses he's taken on.

"Seaton was very tough because it's a long course and the wind is a big factor with it being very close to the sea.

"If you're a low handicap round there then you must be a good player because it's really tough but I enjoyed the day there a lot."

Clark is an interested spectator when it comes to the major competitions in the world of golf and takes every opportunity to watch the professionals in full swing.

"I used to really admire Nick Faldo when I was younger," he commented.

"These days though you can't help but be impressed by Tiger Woods. I like to watch all of the European and American golf and I'll usually have a bet with Micky Barron on who wins the Majors."