Shaw rewarded for decision to turn ‘pro’ with biggest payday yet

Gareth Shaw’s decision to take a truly professional approach to his career paid off massively at Carton House yesterday when he closed with a 69 to finish joint fifth in the Irish Open on his European Tour debut.

The 27-year old from Lurgan, who is now the touring professional for Galgorm Castle in Ballymena, came back from bogeys at the first two holes to play his last 16 holes in five under par and claim a top-10 finish that secures him a place in this week’s €3 million Alstom Open de France.

“From the start of 2012 I made the decision to give it a good go,” said Shaw, who pocketed a cheque for €61,920, the biggest of his career, as he finished alongside the likes of Shane Lowry and two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal on eight under par.