It's official - Dunbar joins pro ranks

Alan Dunbar tees off at Augusta National’s seventh hole during a practice round for the Masters earlier this month. Alan Dunbar has made his decison to join the professional ranks at this week’s Challenge de Madrid official.

In a press release, his management company ISM said:

Alan Dunbar, the 2012 Amateur champion who made his debut at the Masters this month, has turned professional.

The Northern Irishman earned an invitation to Augusta National after triumphing at Royal Troon last year and was the first amateur golfer to sign to a professional management company when joining International Sports Management in July 2012.

“I have been very impressed with the help and advice ISM have given me and am convinced I am in the right hands now that I have decided to turn professional,” said Dunbar, who is 23 next week. “It is an honour to be part of a stable with several major champions and many multi-winners throughout the world.

“I would also like to thank the Golfing Union of Ireland for all of the support I have received from them during my amateur career. It has been greatly appreciated.”

But Dunbar will not have to wait for his first win in a professional tournament, having triumphed at the Gecko Pro Tour event at Guadalhorce Golf Club, Spain, in March.

He also clinched the Georgia Cup a week before the first major championship of the season in his penultimate event as an amateur.

Dunbar will play his first tournaments as a pro in Spain and Italy at the Challenge de Madrid and Montecchia Golf Open, before making his European Tour debut at the Nordea Masters on May 30.

“We are delighted that Alan has agreed to let us help, encourage and guide him at the start of his professional career,” said ISM group chief executive officer, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler. “I am convinced he will go a long way in the paid ranks after a glittering amateur career.”