Lowry to announce decision

Offaly's Shane Lowry is expected to announce this afternoon that he is turning professional.

The 22-year-old has been considering his options since he became only the third amateur to win on the European Tour at Baltray on Sunday in the Irish Open.

A press conference has been called for a Dublin hotel today where Lowry's expected to confirm his plans.

He could make his paid debut in next week's European Open at the London Club in Kent.

Lowry decided the weight of expectation would be too much to compete at Wentworth, where the PGA Championship is teeing off this morning.

Padraig Harrington is not taking part either, preferring instead to continue his preparations for a possible third Open in a row.

There is a nine-strong Irish contingent however, with Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell amongst the early starters.