Lowry poised for pro announcement today

IRISH Open hero Shane Lowry is expected to announce today that he’s turning professional with immediate effect.

The Dublin-based sports management agency Horizon has called a press conference for this afternoon to make “a significant announcement”, which will confirm that Lowry’s amateur days are at an end.

He could possibly make his debut for money in next week’s European Open at the London Club in Kent.

Contacted last night, Conor Ridge, head of Horizon said he had no comment on the matter. However at Wentworth yesterday he said he hoped that Lowry will side-step the likes of IMG and ISM and join his management agency, which also has Graeme McDowell and Ross Fisher in its stable.

“I can categorically state we haven’t been speaking with Shane, and actually I am waiting confirmation that he is definitely turning pro,” said Ridge. “But I’m hopeful that he will come with us when he does do that. I know Shane has been talking with Colin Dalglish, and he’s been getting a lot of advice from his coach, Neil Manchip, and his dad, and also Rory (McIlroy).

“But I certainly haven’t been told he’s coming to us. That’s genuine. And besides how could I sign contracts with him when I am over here at Wentworth?

“If he goes pro for financial reasons, he’s doing it for the wrong reasons. His life has changed so much in the last week, and what he needs around him are good people, good advice and guidance, not cash. He’s got plenty of time to make money.”

Guy Kinnings, who heads IMG’s golf operations in Europe and has been the long-time manager to Colin Montgomerie echoed Ridge’s sentiments.

“Of course, we’re certainly interested in signing Shane as we are with any exciting new golf talent,” Kinnings said.

“But it tough times at the moment and sponsors are not out there in abundance. Unlike Rory McIlroy or Danny Lee, Shane’s had the choice of professionalism thrust upon him very quickly whereas Rory and Danny had that period leading up to the time when we knew they were turning professional.

“So if Shane elects to turn professional we hope it is with IMG as IMG will do a good job looking after him as our record clearly shows.”

Meanwhile McIlroy is concentrating on Europe rather than America because he wants to avoid burn-out.

“I don’t want to play 30 events a year and get burn-out,” said McIlroy at Wentworth. “I had not planned on having a PGA Tour card for two or three years, so it was an easy decision to make in that respect. I’m very happy in Europe. I’ll play the majors and the World Golf Championships and I think the way my schedule has worked out is perfect.”

McIlroy finished well down the field in last week’s Irish Open and missed the cut in the Players Championship in Florida before that, but he added: “Golf’s a fickle game. You can come in and out of form very quickly.”