Lowry to opt for pro road

IRISH Open hero Shane Lowry will not compete in the €4.5mBMW PGA Championship starting at Wentworth on Thursday – but he will be a professional golfer by the end of the week.

Effectively, financial reality has taken the decision out of his hands. Prior to Sunday, he was a carefree but relatively penniless 22-year-old full-time amateur; now he is in position to earn massive sums of money over the coming weeks and months.

For example, his victory at Baltray entitles him to a place in the WGC-Bridgestone event at Firestone, Akron, Ohio on August 6-9 along with the opportunity to compete in every European Tour event between now and the end of 2011.