Royal Dublin rookie Niall Kearney reckons he'll make his European Tour debut in Africa in January.

But the former Walker Cup ace, 21, has his fingers crossed for an invitation for next week's South African Open.

He said: "I've written to the promoters but with my category of membership, I'd say I'll definitely be playing in the Joburg Open after Christmas."

Kearney finished up as first reserve for this week's Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek but did not travel after narrowly failing to earn his card at last week's six-round Q-School.

At least three management companies have shown an interest in signing Ireland's latest golfing starlet - giants IMG, British based GMI and Dublin agency Horizon.

Assured of Challenge Tour status next season as well as invitations to European Tour events, Kearney said: "Nothing has been finalised yet but hope to have signed with a manager over the next couple of weeks."