Cormac Sharvin is latest Stirling old boy to go professional

The 23-year-old Northern Irishman followed in the footsteps of the likes of Catriona Matthew and Richie Ramsay in using a stint at Stirling – he studied for a degree in sports studies but left in the middle of his fourth year – to get the best of both worlds in terms of education and golfing opportunities.

His amateur swansong was a winning Walker Cup appearance last September at Royal Lytham, where he was joined in the Great Britain & Ireland side by Jack McDonald, a former Stirling University team-mate.

“I’m delighted to join team IMG and can’t wait to start my professional career this week,” said Sharvin of receiving an invitation for the Oates Vic Open on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“IMG has experience of working with the best golfers and athletes around the world and I believe they are in the best position to help me achieve my goals for this year and throughout my professional career.”

Guy Kinnings, IMG’s global head of golf, described Sharvin as a “bright young talent” and praised him for reaching the pinnacle of the amateur game at the same time as furthering his education.

“Cormac has shown tremendous ability to achieve both on the course and in his studies at Stirling University,” he said. “He has an appealing personality, is extremely passionate about the game and we look forward to helping his transition into professional golf and fulfilling his potential.”

Matthew, meanwhile, started her 22nd season in the paid ranks with a top-25 finish behind winner Hyo Joo Kim from Korea in the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic. A closing 73 for a nine-under-par 283 total earned Matthew just under $14,000.

In the weather-delayed Singapore Open, world No 1 Jordan Spieth finished second, losing by a shot to Korean Younghan Song,