Golf:In the same week rookie Niall Kearney makes his professional debut on the European Tour at the Africa Open, the Royal Dublin golfer has also signed-up with Horizon Sports Management.
Kearney was the only Irish representative at last year’s Walker Cup and also won the prestigious Brabazon Trophy before trying to secure his European Tour card at Qualifying School.
Despite narrowly missing out on a full card his new Dublin-based management company secured an invite to this week’s event plus next week’s Joburg Open for their latest recruit.
“I am delighted to be making my professional debut in South Africa this week,” said Kearney. “I enjoyed a very rewarding amateur career but simply felt that the time was right to set myself a new challenge.”
“I feel like I have left the amateur game on a high by having a very successful 2009, which culminated in playing in the Walker Cup in September.”
The 21-year-old joins an ever-growing Horizon stable which includes high profile players such as Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell, Irish Open champion Shane Lowry and England’s Ross Fisher.
“I am delighted to have appointed Horizon Sports Management as my management company,” added Kearney. “I am joining a growing group of world class players and it is exciting to be a part of that.”
Horizon will continue to secure further invites to the main tour for Ireland’s latest addition to the professional ranks, while Kearney also has a full card to play on the European Challenge Tour this season.