Scott Arnold, World No 1 amateur, turns

pro and will debut in European Open

Scott Arnold, the 23-year-old Australian who has been the top-ranked player in the R&A World Amateur Rankings since New Zealander Danny Lee joined the paid ranks last month, has turned professional.
He will make his debut as a tour pro at the European Open, starting on Thursday at the London Club.
Morgan Hoffmann, the American who is the top-ranked player in the Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings and second-ranked player in the R&A list, will most likely take Arnold’s No. 1 spot now when the updated rankings are issued on Wednesday.
Arnold will base himself in Europe after signing with the International Sports Group, whose stable includes Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westward and Darren Clarke.
“It’s always been my aim to play golf professionally in Europe,” said this year’s Australian amateur champion. “There are so many challenges for rookie pros there and plenty of Aussies have done well. It’s definitely where I think my game will improve the most.”
Arnold won the 2006 Hong Kong Amateur, 2008 Riversdale Cup, 2009 Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship, and, most recently, the 2009 Australian Amateur Championship which made him No. 2 in the R&A rankings.