Richie Ramsay turns pro

Current US Open Amateur Champion, Richie Ramsay has opted to turn professional with immediate effect, delivering a hammer-blow to Great Britain and Ireland?s chances of winning back the Walker Cup this September. The 24-year-old has signed up with the world famous global sports management company, IMG, who also represent Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington and young English talent Ross Fisher.

The European Tour has already given Ramsay his first invite ? he will kick-start his professional career at the Russian Open Golf Championship in Moscow later this week. Since last year?s win at Hazeltine National Golf Club, Ramsay has partnered some of the biggest names in golf, playing alongside Tiger Woods at Oakmont at this year?s US Open, and with Phil Mickelson at Augusta for the opening two rounds of the US Masters.

?I have had a great amateur experience and am hugely grateful to everyone who has supported me, especially the coaches, staff and players at the Scottish Golf Union,? said Ramsay. ?Now I want to go out and see what I can achieve as a professional and can?t wait to get started in Russia this week. IMG represent the world's best players, many of whom I have had the opportunity to meet and play alongside this year.?

Ramsay?s win at Hazeltine in August of last year made him the first British winner of the esteemed US Amateur Championship since 1898. It had also marked him out as the likely leader of the GB & Ireland?s attempt to win the Walker Cup, but now they will have to head to Royal County Down in Northern Ireland on September 8 without him.