Irishman Lowry, Australian Arnold all set for pro debuts

By Tony Jimenez

ASH, England (Reuters) - Shock Irish Open winner Shane Lowry and world amateur number one Scott Arnold make their professional debuts in this week's European Open.

Irishman Lowry, who decided to join the paid ranks last Thursday, is desperate to get back on the golf course after being the subject of intense media interest since his victory in Baltray two weeks ago.

"It has been madness," the 22-year-old told reporters at the London Club in Kent on Wednesday. "I am just starting to calm down now.

"I cannot wait to get out on the course ... it's a lot more peaceful out there. Although all of the attention can't be a bad thing and hopefully there's a lot more to come."

Lowry felt he had no alternative but to turn pro after becoming the third amateur to win a European Tour event.

"I couldn't see myself doing anything else," he said. "I didn't fancy teeing it up in amateur tournaments again so it was the right thing to do.

"I've known I wanted to turn pro since I was about 15. Professional golf was all I wanted to do and it was the right time to do it."

As the temperature rose during the final round in Baltray, Lowry got excited and was heard to mutter a few colourful words.