Perth prodigy Jarryd Felton has turned professional.
Felton, 20, will play for money for the first time in next week’s Fiji International, joining fellow former Golf Australia national squad member Antonio Murdaca as pro debutants.
The Gosnells Golf Club member has enjoyed a stellar amateur career, winning seven rankings events nationally and representing Australia on several occasions, including twice finishing runner-up in Argentina earlier this year while wearing the green and gold.
He has also enjoyed success when he has played in professional events in the past couple of summers, working his world amateur ranking up as high as No.28 at one point.
Golf Australia high performance director Brad James said Felton had the potential to become a successful international athlete.
“He’s a proven winner at national level events and has already had some success at tier two professional events,” James said.
“His work ethic and desire to improve every day will hold him in good stead as he makes the transition from amateur golf.”
Felton showed his growing maturity and composure this year in going unbeaten playing as No.1 for Western Australia throughout the Interstate Series in Melbourne.
His last run as an amateur was in last week’s weather-shortened Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship with a top-20 finish the icing on a fine career to date.
It is understood Felton will likely play in upcoming professional events in his home state, with the WA Open and WA PGA scheduled in the next month.