Kent golfer Alfie Plant will make his debut as a professional when he plays in the Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria GC at Vilamoura starting on Thursday.
The 25-year-old Sundridge Park member, who played for Great Britain & ireland in the 46th Walker Cup earlier this month, has received a special invitation for the Portuguese tournament along with his Walker Cup team mates Jack Davidson and Connor Syme.
They will be part of an impressive field at Vilamoura which includes reigning champion Padraig Harrington, three-times European Tour winner Thomas Pieters, 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett and another previous Portugal Masters champion Shane Lowry, who lifted the trophy in 2012 for his first victory as a professional.
Plant, who won the Silver Medal for finishing as leading amateur in this year’s Open Championship, said, “This has been a fantastic year for me so far. I’m really excited about the next chapter in my career, and taking part in my first tournament as a professional is a big part of that.
“I’ve heard great things about the Portugal Masters – I’m really looking forward to the week in Vilamoura and being part of a strong field. Hopefully I can take some inspiration from Shane Lowry’s first professional win there in 2012!”
Peter Adams, European Tour Championship Director for the Portugal Masters, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alfie to the Portugal Masters and hope his experiences at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course will add to what has been an unforgettable year for him.”