Cantlay eager for professional debut

Patrick Cantlay will play his first tournament as a professional when he tees it up at this week's Travelers Championship.

The 20-year-old was ranked as the number one amateur in the world and has been tipped by many to have a stellar career in the sport. He has already played in and made the cut at three majors - twice in the US Open, while finishing in a share of 47th place at this year's Masters. The Californian announced his decision to turn professional earlier this week and has signed up with Excel Sports Management, whose agent Mark Steinberg has represented Tiger Woods throughout his career. He will play for money for the first time this week but the decision to end his amateur days means that he will now have to qualify for the Open Championship. He received direct entry into the year's third major due to his amateur ranking at the end of last season but has now given that up after turning pro. The talented youngster enjoyed this week's event 12 months ago when he shot the lowest round in PGA Tour history by an amateur when carding a course record 60. He also finished as the low amateur at the AT&T National, finishing in a tie for 20th place and will play in the event this year as well. The Los Alamitos resident is relishing the chance to play week in week out on the PGA Tour and feels it will benefit his game. "I have a tremendous passion and respect for the game of golf and can't wait for the challenge of taking my game to the next level," he said.