Sport

Ireland’s newest golf hope Paul Dunne turns professional

LYTHAM ST ANNES, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Paul Dunne of Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup Team plays a putt shot during his afternoon singles match during day two of the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club on September 13, 2015 in Lytham St Annes, England (Photo by Clint Hughes/Getty Images)

IRELAND'S Open Championship hero Paul Dunne has turned professional, his management company 4Sports have confirmed.

The 22-year-old was co-leader of the famous Major event ahead of the fifth and final day at St Andrews in July, upstaging a string of professionals along the way.

Although he failed to become the first amateur to lift the Claret Jug since American Bobby Jones in 1930, the Wicklow man made a huge impression nonetheless.

And he proved it was no flash in the pan after helping the Great Britain and Ireland team to lift the Walker Cup, a prestigious amateur tournament, with the winning put earlier this month.

Dunne’s representatives 4Sports confirmed via Twitter that he had penned a ‘long term’ professional deal.

Paul Dunne has announced he has signed a long term,exclusive representation contract with @4sportsworld! Welcome to the team @dunners11

— 4sports (@4sportsworld) September 22, 2015