Shane Lowry has announced his decision to turn professional. The 22-year old Irishman will make his debut in next week's European Open at the London Club in Kent.

Having already stunned the golfing world on Sunday when, playing his first ever Tour event, he beat eight of the world's top 50, including multiple major champion Padraig Harrington, the current Open and US PGA champion, to win the Irish Open and become only the third amateur ever to land a title on the circuit.

The County Offaly golfer, who made the announcement at a news conference at a Dublin hotel, said his original plan had always been to turn pro after the Walker Cup in September.

But the opportunity to take up a two and a half year exemption was too tempting to turn down.

"I have now decided to turn professional immediately as I feel this will give me the greatest chance of becoming the best player I can be in the future."

"I am fully aware that playing against some of the greatest players in the world as a professional on a weekly basis, will be new territory for me and it will be a difficult challenge.

"However I am confident it is something I am ready for."

After some considerable thought he has decided to sign up with Horizon Sports Management who are based in Dublin, Ireland under the watchful eye of Conor Ridge.

"Once I sat down with the team at Horizon Sports Management I felt very comfortable with them - I am really happy with my decision and I know that I am in good hands.

"My manager Conor Ridge has told me to just go and play golf and they will look after everything else, which was music to my ears to be honest.

He now becomes a stablemate of Graeme McDowell, Northern Ireland's Ryder Cup star, and Ross Fisher, the defending European Open champion both of whom are StrokeAverage.com clients.

The Irishman's decision comes despite Colin Dalgleish, the Walker Cup captain, hoping that he would not turn pro until after September's match with the Americans.