Ramsay out of Walker Cup after turning pro

Scotland’s Richie Ramsay dealt a blow to Britain and Ireland’s hopes of winning back the Walker Cup by announcing today he was turning professional – just five weeks before the match against the Americans.

Last August, the 24-year-old from Aberdeen became the first British player since 1911 to win the United States amateur title.

It earned him invitations to the Masters, US Open and Open. At Augusta he partnered defending champion Phil Mickelson and at Oakmont he played two rounds with Tiger Woods.

Having missed the halfway cut in all three majors he has decided to make his pro debut in next week’s Russian Open in Moscow.

“I have had a great amateur experience and am hugely grateful to everyone who has supported me, especially the coaches, staff and players at the Scottish Golf Union,” he said.

“Now I want to go out and see what I can achieve as a professional and can’t wait to get started in Russia.”

He is joining the International Management Group stable which includes Woods, new Open champion Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie.