Walker Cup ace turns pro

Walker Cup hero James Byrne has announced that he is to join the professional ranks with immediate effect.

Byrne to make first start in paid ranks this week

Walker Cup hero James Byrne has announced that he is to join the professional ranks with immediate effect. The 22-year-old played a starring role in Great Britain and Ireland reclaiming the Walker Cup from the United States earlier this month, picking up two points from his three matches. Byrne, who is a graduate of Arizona State University, also confirmed that he has signed with the renowned sports agency IMG. The Scot said: "The Walker Cup was the perfect stepping stone into the professional ranks and it seems to be the perfect time to make the move." Byrne will make his professional debut in this week's Allianz Golf Open Grand Toulouse on the European Challenge Tour. He is hoping to secure sponsors invitations for the remaining European Tour events this season before heading for the first stage of the Qualifying School in Portugal next month.