Shane Lowry opts for professional golf career

Young golfing sensation Shane Lowry has decided to become a fulltime professional. Lowry will now make his professional debut on the European Tour in next week"s European Open at The London Club. His decision to relinquish his amateur status came after a few days of reflection with friends and family following his dramatic Irish Open win. Speaking yesterday, he said: 'Obviously winning on Sunday has forced me to re-assess my career goals in the short-term and I have had a lot to think about this week.' The 3 Irish Open win earned him a two-year exemption onto the European Tour. The 22-year-old Clara man said he had decided to join the professional ranks immediately and turn down the chance of being selected for the Walker Cup team in September because the two-year membership of the tour would allow him the opportunity of easing himself into the professional game. His plan is to use the remainder of this season"s tour to prepare himself for the full 2010 European Tour season. 'I can now go out on Tour under no pressure and just concentrate on playing golf and enjoying the whole experience. I am really looking forward to just getting out there and playing now.' Continued on page 3