Porteous turns professional

British Amateur champion Garrick Porteous has turned professional following his appearance in the Masters last week.

The 24-year-old from Northumberland will make his debut in the paid ranks in Kuala Lumpur at the Maybank Malaysian Open, which gets under way on Thursday.

"It was a huge honour to play my final event as an amateur at the Masters," said Porteous, who earned an invitation to Augusta National after his win at Royal Cinque Ports last year.

"But I am so excited to be finally turning pro. I feel ready and cannot wait for the challenges that lie ahead."

Porteous missed the cut at Augusta after rounds of 76 and 80.