Irish Open Champion to Join Pro Ranks

Newly crowned Irish Open champion Shane Lowry has confirmed he will join the professional golfing ranks, with his European Tour debut set to be at the European Open in Kent, England later this week.

Lowry (22) became only the third amateur to claim a European Tour event, following Spain's Pablo Martin's victory in the Portuguese Open in 2007 and New Zealand's Danny Lee's win at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia three months ago.

The Irish man claimed victory in the event at Baltray when he defeated Britain's Robert Rock at the third extra hole in a sudden death play-off. The duo finished the fourth round on -17, two strokes ahead of Swede Johan Edfors.

The EUR 500,000 prize money (USD700,000) could not be given to the amateur and was instead handed to Rock.

In a statement, Lowry confirmed his decision and admitted that turning professional would be in the best interests of his career.

"I feel this (decision) will give me the greatest chance of becoming the best player I can be," he said.

"I'm fully aware that playing against some of the greatest players in the world on a weekly basis will be new territory for me and it will be a difficult challenge. However, I am confident it is something I am ready for."

The Irish Open was Lowry's first appearance in a professional tournament, and finished ahead of seasoned professionals like Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke, Le Westwood and last year's PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington.

He shot a course record-equalling 62 in the second round to thrust him into the contenders and was the surprise table leader going into the final holes. He might have claimed victory outright on the final hole but failed to sink from four feet for a birdie.

Victory at Baltray in Ireland has given Lowry a two-year exemption on the lucrative European tour.

Lowry has passed up on the chance to begin his professional career at the PGA Championship at Wentworth last weekend, insisting he needed time to consider his options before making a final decision on his future.

The European Open next weekend will be followed by the Celtic Manor Wales Open and the US Open Championship in Farmingdale, New York in June 18.

Lowry's decision rules him out of September's Walker Cup meeting between America and a Britain and Ireland team, to the disappointment of team captain Colin Dalgleish.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3733575.stm