Golf:As was widely expected, the newly-crowned 3 Irish Open champion Shane Lowry has turned down his opportunity to play in September's Walker Cup and has instead opted to join the paid ranks. Lowry will play in his first event as a professional at next week's European Open at the London Club in Kent.

The 22-year-old was presented to the assembled media at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin this afternoon, where it was also confirmed he has signed for Horizon Sports Management, the Dublin-based company who also look after Graeme McDowell.

Lowry came to prominence after his sensational play-off win against England’s Robert Rock at Baltray in Co Louth last weekend. In winning the national championship, he became only the third amateur to have ever won on the European Tour. His second round 62 was also the lowest score recorded by an amateur on the circuit.

“Last week was my first time ever playing in a European Tour event, which was a totally new experience for me,” said Lowry at today’s announcement. “If I’m being honest, I genuinely did feel that I had the game to have a good week and gain some experience to build on, with a view to turning professional later in the year.

“However, to go on and win the tournament and leave Baltray on Sunday evening with the Irish Open trophy and the option of a two-year exemption on the European Tour was certainly beyond my expectations.”

It means the chance to play against the Americans in September’s Walker Cup at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania has gone as the Offaly native quickly reassessed his career goals.

“There is a tinge of sadness for me leaving my amateur career behind . . . I  am lucky to have had so many great times growing up playing amateur golf in Ireland,” added Lowry, who won the European Amateur Team Championship in 2007 and 2008 playing alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy and Horizon stablemate Jonathan Caldwell before they turned pro.

Lowry admitted that he hasn’t hit a ball since Sunday’s historic win but also that a few days off tends to do him good.

Although it’s too early to reveal his full playing schedule he is down to play at the London Club next week and in the Celtic Manor Wales Open the following week. The following Monday the world number 168 will also attempt to secure a place at the British Open at Turnberry in July through International Qualifying at Sunningdale.