Lowry set for European Open

Irish Open hero Shane Lowry will take the plunge into the pro ranks next week.

That's the view of a source close to the Offaly ace, who revealed that Ireland's third European Tour winner this season will make his debut in the European Open at The London Golf Club in Kent from May 28-31.

Shane Lowry will soon be bidding for more titles on tourThe news will be a blow to Walker Cup skipper Colin Dalgleish, who was hoping to have the 3 Irish Open champion on the 10-man Great Britain and Ireland side bidding to win back the trophy on American soil in September.

Speaking yesterday, Lowry hinted that he wouldn't be able to resist the lure of the megabucks Race to Dubai and the chance to take on pals Rory McIlroy and Chris Wood every week.

Lowry said: "I can't really see myself playing amateur golf after what's happened over the weekend. I think it would be a big step down and I wouldn't have any interest in it really.”

The Clara man, 22,  has decided not turn professional in time to tee it up in this week's flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Instead, he will tee it up in the €2 million European Open alongside the likes of Masters champion Angel Cabrera, world No 3 Sergio Garcia and The Players Championship winner Henrik Stenson.

Lowry jumped straight to 168th in the Official World Golf Ranking yesterday ahead of Peter Lawrie, three time Ryder Cup winner Paul McGinley and Ryder Cup skipper Colin Montgomerie.

He missed out on a €500,000 pay day at the 3 Irish Open, which went to runner up Robert Rock.

But if he wins at The London Club he will pick up enough world ranking points to leap into the world's top 50 and qualify for next month's US Open.