Paul Dunne to turn professional

Irish amateur golfer Paul Dunne is to turn professional later this year after his impressive showing at The Open.

The 22-year-old hit the headlines at St Andrews by shooting himself into contention heading into the final day of the prolonged competition.

There was to be no fairytale ending for Dunne, though, having carded a six-over-par 78 to drop down the field into a tie for 30th place - nine shots off winner Zach Johnson.

Graeme McDowell was among those to talk up the Irishman's future prospects, and it has now been revealed that he is planning to turn pro in the coming months.

Speaking to RTE, Dunne's father Colum said: "Certainly once the Walker Cup is over, whether he's selected or not, he's certainly going to have a go at turning professional."

The 2015 Walker Cup gets underway in Lancashire on September 12.