Dunbar turning pro

Alan Dunbar, the 2012 British Amateur champion who competed in the Masters earlier this month, has turned professional.

The Northern Irishman, who missed the cut at Augusta, won the amateur title at Royal Troon last year and signed with International Sports Management in July 2012.

“I have been very impressed with the help and advice ISM have given me and am convinced I am in the right hands now that I have decided to turn professional,” said Dunbar, who is 23 next week.

“It is an honour to be part of a stable with several major champions and many multi-winners throughout the world.

“I would also like to thank the Golfing Union of Ireland for all of the support I have received from them during my amateur career. It has been greatly appreciated.”

Dunbar will play his first tournaments as a pro in Spain and Italy at the Challenge de Madrid and Montecchia Golf Open, before making his European Tour debut at the Nordea Masters on May 30.