Tom Lewis turns professional

Tom Lewis, winner of the Silver Medal for the best amateur at the Open Championship in July, has turned professional.

The Welwyn Garden City golfer hit the headlines at Royal St George's in July when he shared the lead after a five-under opening-round 65 before eventually finishing 30th.

Earlier this month he played a significant part in Great Britain & Ireland regaining the Walker Cup for the first time in eight years and he's ready to make the step up as a professional golfer. 

"I am very excited to get out there and see how I measure up," said the 20-year-old. "The 2011 Open Championship was fantastic for me and I learnt a lot from the occasion."

Lewis's five-under-par 65 was the lowest single round score by an amateur in Open history and he now has his sights on gaining a European Tour Card for 2012, although he has just under three months to achieve that.

"I am very grateful to the tournament promoters who have generously offered me invitations," said Lewis. "I hope I will perform at my best to thank them for the opportunity."

Lewis will make his his professional debut at the Austrian Open and has also been invited to compete at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the end of this month.

"I am very grateful to the tournament promoters who have generously offered me invitations," added the Englishman.