Sugrue to make professional debut in Sweden next month

James Sugrue watches his tee shot on the 15th hole during the second round at the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course) in Mamaroneck, N.Y. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. (Simon Bruty/USGA)

Mallow star James Sugrue will make his professional debut on the Challenge Tour in Sweden next month.

The 2019 Amateur champion (22) turned professional after the Masters last November, where he became the first amateur from Great Britain or Ireland to break par at Augusta National when he carded a brilliant 71 in the second round.

He signed up with Henrik Stenson’s former manager Johan Elliot’s Sportyard agency in January but after his professional debut was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s now ready to hit the fairways.

The Cork star will make his debut with appearances in the Challenge Tour’s Range Servant Challenge by Hinton Golf in Malmö from May 13-16 and the following week’s Dormy Open at Österåkers Golfklubb from May 19-22.

Sugrue will then head home for the Irish Challenge at Portmarnock Links from May 27-30, situated right next door to Portmarnock Golf Club, scene of his thrilling win in The Amateur in 2019.

“I can’t wait to get going,” said Sugrue, who headed to Spain earlier this week to practice. “I’m delighted to finally get going. It’s been a frustrating time waiting for a chance to play so I can’t wait to tee it up in Sweden and then get home for the Irish Challenge at Portmarnock Links, which is going to be a great venue.”