Lowry can cause a major stir, declares fellow rookie McIlroy

CLOSE friend and fellow European Tour winner, Rory McIlroy has welcomed Shane Lowry into the pro ranks by declaring the new Irish Open winner has the game to qualify for this year’s British Open and US PGA Championship.

The 22-year-old Irish Open champion becomes the 12th Irish born player to enjoy 2009 European Tour membership. And in turning pro and joining the European Tour, Lowry will now be exempt till December, 31, 2011.

McIlroy was speaking after his round in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth yesterday where Peter Lawrie heads the eight remaining Irish in the European Tour flagship event.