Open hero Wood joins ISM

Wood becomes the second silver medal winner in succession behind Ulster s Rory McIlroy to join ISM after performing with distinction at the world s greatest championship.

Royal Birkdale was the best week of my life and now I am looking forward to an equally exciting and successful future in the professional ranks, said the 6ft 5in Long Ashton member, who ensured that even if the Open did not have a Tiger, it certainly had a Wood.

Wood finished joint fifth alongside America s Jim Furyk with his father Richard carrying his bag and is expected to make his professional debut in the near future. He has already received an invitation to play in the Quinn Insurance British Masters at The Belfry in September.

If I was going to play amateur golf for another year, I m not sure that I would be in a better position than I am now, added Wood. I played with Darren Clarke yesterday and I ve spoken to another two professionals and they ve all said that I ll be a better player after a year on the Tour .

The Russian Amateur and Welsh Open stroke play champion and 2007 Ping/EGU Order of Merit winner joins an ISM stable brimming with stars including world No.5 Ernie Els and Ryder Cup heroes Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, David Howell and Paul McGinley.

We are thrilled and delighted that Chris has chosen to join ISM when he had several options, said ISM managing director Andrew Chubby Chandler. He is an extremely talented and likeable young man and proved at The Open that he can perform at the highest level.