Sam Bairstow, the 2021 Brabazon Trophy champion and highest ranked British amateur golfer in the world, has turned professional.
Bairstow, 24, is set to make his professional debut at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this week, with the four-day, three-venue on the DP World Tour event beginning on September 29.
Bairstow, climbed to as high as seventh in the World Amateur Golf Ranking this year following a fantastic amateur career, representing England in the Eisenhower Trophy, GB&I in the St Andrews Trophy, as well as making the final of the this year’s R&A Amateur Championship. The talented Yorkshireman has also qualified for back-to-back Open Championships, including this year’s 150th Open Championship at St Andrews.
Speaking about turning professional and the prospect of teeing it up with some of the world’s best golfers in St Andrews this week, Bairstow said: “I am extremely excited to start my professional career at St Andrews. The Alfred Dunhill has such a rich pedigree in golf and to play alongside some of the finest players in Europe will be a great experience. A big thank you to Johann Rupert and everyone at Richemont for the opportunity.”
With his start this week, Bairstow joins an illustrious list of names whose careers started at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, thanks to the chairman of event sponsor Richemont, Johann Rupert. The South African businessman has previously offered starts to some of golf’s most exciting prospects, including Rory McIlroy, who used it to kickstart his professional career when finishing third in 2007, a result that helped him gain his European Tour card.
Speaking on behalf of Bairstow’s management company, Trinifold Sports Management, CEO James Byers said: “Mr Rupert has not only been the driving force behind one of the most prestigious and innovative golf events in the world, but has also provided a platform for some of the most recognised names in golf to start their careers.”
Speaking about the signing of Bairstow to Trinifold Sports Management, Byers added: “We are extremely proud to announce that Sam will be joining our talented team at Trinifold Sports. Sam sets example after example to his peers and the younger players at Trinifold Sports with his commitment and dedication. We are all very excited with Sam turning professional and would like to thank the DP World and Richemont for the opportunity they have given him this week.”