Tom Lewis is set to turn professional, with lucrative deals to follow, after his Open display. Photograph: David Davies/PAThe dance is a familiar one and it took place six months ago in the clubhouse at the Emirates golf club in Dubai. The family and advisers of a fine young amateur golfer, the Englishman Tom Lewis in this instance, and the Mr 10%-ers auditioning for the right to represent his interests in the professional world.
Five of the most powerful agents in European golf traipsed in for their 20-minute shot at the prize, and five traipsed out. But it appears there was a clear winner – with Lewis himself indicating he will sign with the International Management Group when he turns professional. As part of the agreement with IMG, there will be an advisory role for Daniel Field, the local club professional who has been looking after Lewis during his amateur career, according to reports.
IMG looks after interests of some of the leading European players, including Matteo Manassero, who joined the paid ranks last year. The 18-year-old Italian has made his mark as a professional, already winning twice on the European Tour and vaulting to a place inside the world's top 30.
Lewis, whose amateur record does not quite stand comparison with Manassero, cannot be expected to make the transition with such a aplomb. Nor can he be expected to live up to his own expectations of matching the six major championship victories of Nick Faldo, who learned to play golf at the same club in Welwyn Garden City.
But he should do well, both on and off the course. Lewis has already said he will turn pro later this year after playing in the Walker Cup, the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup, as did Rory McIlroy in 2007, and like the Northern Irishman he will have three months – and half a dozen European Tour events – to win his coveted playing card for 2012.
McIlroy earned his card with a top-five finish in the Dunhill Links at St Andrews, one of the most lucrative events in European golf. The 20-year-old Lewis will hope to do the same. If he does, the financial rewards will be great. As an amateur he is not allowed to enter into commercial agreements, or indeed formally sign with an agent, but there will be no shortage of corporate suitors.
At Royal St George's this week he has been playing with Ping golf clubs, and wearing clothing by the German company, Hugo Boss. Both are expected to sponsor him once he turns pro and given his high profile this past week there will be other companies seeking to attach their name to his.
Suffice to say, Lewis will be wealthy before he hits a ball in the pro world, though just how much he stands to make can only be guessed at. "A comfortable six-figures – more if he makes his European Tour card straight away,'' said one of the game's leading deal-makers. "If he doesn't, he will have to go to tour school or try his luck on the Challenge tour, where life is a bit tougher."
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