Shane making the right decision as pros outweigh the cons

FAR be it from me to take issue with Pádraig Harrington, one of the best intentioned people I know, but I am fully in favour of Shane Lowry’s decision to turn professional rather than wait until after the Walker Cup next September.

There are tens of thousands of euro to be won between now and then and with all due respect to such events as the East of Ireland and the St Andrew’s Trophy, they are in the halfpenny place compared to the tournaments now looming on the European Tour.

Call it striking when the iron is hot if you like, but the pros outweighed the cons where Shane himself, his parents Brendan and Bridgie, girlfriend Deirdre Molloy, coach Neil Manchip and his extended family and advisers were concerned.