CELTIC Manor’s Lewys Sanges has decided to take the plunge and join golf’s paid ranks after a highly successful amateur career.

Sanges starts life as a professional by playing in a series of events on the Portugal Pro Tour on the Algarve.

He will return to Portugal in February to play in more Pro Tour tournaments in preparation for the Euro Pro Qualifying school in March.

Sanges is excited about his new career path and is relishing the thought of playing against some of the best players in the world.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an amateur but felt it was time to move on.

“After consulting my parents and coach, we all felt now was the right time to go in a new direction.

“I am excited and somewhat apprehensive, but I am confident I can progress from here.”

Sanges’ coach, former amateur champion Paul Mayo, added: “Lewys has a tremendous work ethic and is a wonderful talent.

“I believe he will go from strength to strength. He is eager to learn and I’m sure he will gain valuable experience in the next few months.

“Lewys is well aware of the challenges ahead, and he is focused and committed. We are looking forward to 2020 and beyond.”