McDowell urges Open hero Lowry to turn professional

FOUR-TIME European Tour winner Graeme McDowell says new Irish Open champion, Shane Lowry should forget September’s Walker Cup and “strike while the iron is hot” by turning professional.

Lowry is expected to make an announcement on his future later this week with the Offaly amateur sensation likely to join the play-for-pay ranks and make his pro debut at next week’s European Open in Kent.

The 22-year-old is faced with the option of remaining an amateur for the next four months before taking his expected place in the GB & I Walker Cup.