Chris Wood, the 6ft 5in amateur who came within three shots of leading the British Open golf championship on a thrilling final afternoon at Royal Birkdale earlier this month, has decided to follow in the footsteps of his English compatriot Justin Rose and join the professional ranks.
Wood, 20, finished fifth behind the champion Padraig Harrington a decade after Rose had produced an equally stunning performance to take fourth place behind the previous Birkdale winner Mark O'Meara.
He declared after collecting the Silver Medal as the highest-placed amateur that he would delay a decision on his professional career for at least a year, but this week changed his mind under the temptation of a lucrative offer from the International Sports Management (ISM) group.
The same agency managed to recruit the promising Northern Ireland player Rory McIlroy, who took the prize for leading amateur at Carnoustie a year ago and has since established himself on the European Tour.
The excited Wood joins players like Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and David Howell under the ISM umbrella.
He disclosed that talks with Clarke, after they had played together last weekend, were instrumental in reaching his decision.
"I've spoken to professionals and they said that I'll be a better player after a year on the tour," said Wood, who will play in the Quinn Insurance British Masters at The Belfry on Sept 25-28, an event which his backing company promotes.
"If I was going to play amateur golf for another year, I'm not sure that I would be in a better position than I am now." He needs to earn a total of £150,000 (Dh1million) to avoid having to play in the European Tour's qualifying school in November, but if he reproduces anything approaching the form he showed at Birkdale he will expect to achieve that target comfortably.
Inspired by his final round pairing with England's Ian Poulter, who finished runner-up to Harrington, Wood shot a two-over-par 72 under considerable pressure to huge acclaim from the large public galleries.
Wood was delighted after walking down the 18th alongside Poulter, who at the time was in serious contention to lift the Claret Jug. "It was the best week of my life," he reflected.
"The support I've had from my family, friends and coach has been fantastic.
"My trainer drove up from Devon on the morning of my final round to watch me. Everyone at my golf club has just been overwhelming and I expect I won over a few more in the crowd."
Wood will leave the amateur ranks with mixed feelings, believing he benefited greatly from representing England.
"The opportunities that come with being in the England team are just unbelievable," he said.
"I was in Australia for three weeks in April, I've been to Argentina, Mexico and Russia.
"You get experience playing like a professional as an amateur, and then there is the coaching we receive - England have got some great coaches.
"The standard in amateur golf is so high that a lot of the guys who have turned pro this year or last year are doing so well.
"They've come straight out of the England team. I think it just shows how strong it is."
The lanky Wood had considered a career in professional football as a schoolboy and was recruited into his the academy of his local club Bristol City at the age of 14, but a loose bone in a knee put paid to those aspirations.
"I got out of bed one day and collapsed down on the floor and couldn't play for ages," he said.
"I lost interest in football and obviously had a lot more time to practise my golf.
"Every year I've improved so far and obviously I am hoping to continue that improvement."
Andrew Chandler, managing director of ISM believed Wood's capture was a major coup for his organisation
"We are thrilled and delighted that Chris has chosen to join us when he had several other options," he said.
"He is an extremely talented and likeable young man and proved at The Open that he can perform at the highest level."
@Email:wjohnson@thenational.ae
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
The%20specs
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Leaderboard
63 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA)
64 - Rory McIlroy (NIR)
66 - Jon Rahm (ESP)
67 - Tom Lewis (ENG), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)
68 - Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)
69 - Justin Rose (ENG), Thomas Detry (BEL), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Danny Willett (ENG), Li Haotong (CHN), Matthias Schwab (AUT)
Company%20Profile
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The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
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Schedule:
Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)
Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)
Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four
Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)
Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 28: Final (Dubai)
EMILY%20IN%20PARIS%3A%20SEASON%203
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SPECS
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TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
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Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30, December 1-2
International Vets
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation fixtures
Thursday, November 30:
10.20am, Pitch 3, v 100 World Legends Project
1.20pm, Pitch 4, v Malta Marauders
Friday, December 1:
9am, Pitch 4, v SBA Pirates
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Meydan card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (PA) Group 1 US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) Group 2 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Greatest Royal Rumble results
John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match
Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus
Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal
Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos
Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out
The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
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The 100 Best Novels in Translation
Boyd Tonkin, Galileo Press
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
The specs: 2018 Renault Megane
Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200
Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable transmission
Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km
The specs
Price: From Dh529,000
Engine: 5-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 520hp
Torque: 625Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.8L/100km