Uihlein to play in European Tour at Abu Dhabi

American golfer Peter Uihlein, last year’s US Amateur champion, said on Monday he is turning professional and will play on the European Tour starting next month at Abu Dhabi.Uihlein will forego his senior season at Oklahoma State University after signing with Chubby Chandler’s International Sports Management, which also backs England’s Lee Westwood, British Open champion Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa.Starting in January gives Uihlein, 22, almost a full year to earn a spot on the European Tour, with plans to play on sponsor exemptions and the Challenge Tour in order to claim a full place on the circuit.Selecting the European Tour over the US PGA Tour to make his move is a sign of growing strength of the European lineup, with England’s Luke Donald winning both tour money titles this year in an unprecedented feat.“There has been a great list of players who cut their teeth in Europe,” said Uihlein said. “They all started in Europe and gained great experience by playing different courses. It’s a new challenge.”Uihlein’s professional debut will come January 26-29 on a sponsor exemption at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship against such stars as Donald, Westwood, US Open champion Rory McIlroy, Germany’s Martin Kaymer and 14-time major champion Tiger Woods.Uihlein’s schedule is also expected to include the Qatar Masters and Dubai Desert Classic and possibly a stop in India.