Irish Open winner Shane Lowry turns pro

[May 22, 2009]  DUBLIN (AP) -- Shane Lowry, who won last week's Irish Open as an amateur, has turned pro and will be playing for money at next week's European Open.

The burly 22-year-old Irishman, who shot a 10-under 62 in his second round, won a playoff to capture the Irish Open on Sunday in his first European Tour event, beating eight of the world's top 50 golfers.

He said Thursday that turning professional "will give me the greatest chance of becoming the best player I can be in the future." 

[Associated Press]

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