Lowry set for professional bow

Shane Lowry’s professional debut in the European Open at the London Club in Kent on Thursday with be played alongside fellow Irishman Paul McGinley and England’s Anthony Wall.

The 22-year-old, whose staggering Irish Open victory two weeks ago made him only the third amateur to win on the European Tour, has to wait to get going in his new career, however. The trio do not tee off until 12.40pm.

Lowry has inked a sponsorship deal with mobile network 3, and will be wearing the 3 logo on the collar of his shirt as he begins his professional career.

There is a much earlier start for the two highest ranked players in the field.

Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson, fourth and fifth in the world, are paired with defending champion Ross Fisher and they are out at 7.50am.

Garcia was runner-up to Fisher last July, albeit seven strokes behind, and is playing in Europe for the first time this year.