Shane Lowry turns pro: Will make

debut in European Open next week

FROM THE GUARDIAN.CO.UK WEBSITE
Shane Lowry, who won the Irish Open on Sunday as an amateur, has turned professional and will be playing for money at next week's European Open.
The 22-year-old Irishman, who shot a 10-under 62 in his second round, won a play-off to take the Irish Open on Sunday in his first European Tour event, beating eight of the world's top 50.
He said yesterday that turning professional "will give me the greatest chance of becoming the best player I can be in the future".
The County Offaly golfer, who made the announcement at a news conference in Dublin, said his original plan had been to turn pro after the Walker Cup in September. However, he said he was confident he was making the right decision for his career.
He will officially take out membership of the PGA European Tour in coming days. "I am fully aware that playing against some of the greatest players in the world as a professional 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."
But he added: "There is a tinge of sadness for me leaving my amateur career behind."
"My manager Conor Ridge has told me to just go and play golf and they [Horizon Sports Management] will look after everything else, which was music to my ears to be honest."
It was also announced that Lowry will receive a development grant from the Irish Sports Council through the Team Ireland Golf Trust.
Editor's Note: Lowry's victory in the Irish Open, even as an amateur, gave him a two-year exempt status on the European Tour, which is the reason he can simply walk into next week's European Open, unlike the vast majority of rookie professionals.