Christo Lamprecht, the 6-foot-8 South African who held the first-round lead at the Open Championship last year as an amateur, has signed a deal with WME Sports for representation after turning professional.
He joins social media star Paige Spiranac, who joined WME Sports in May. The agency is a subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings, representing high-profile talent, athletes, and media while owning stakes in WWE and UFC.
Ari Emmanuel serves as the CEO of Endeavor Group Holdings, which expressed interest in negotiating a deal with the PGA Tour last fall. However, the tour ultimately went in a different direction, scoring a $1.5 billion investment from the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) as it continues negotiating an agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Nevertheless, WME Sports also represents a pair of three-time major champions, Padraig Harrington and Jordan Spieth, putting Lamprecht in good company among fellow professionals. Min Woo Lee is also a part of WME, as are five of the top 10 players in the LPGA’s Rolex Rankings.
“This is a special moment in my career,” Lamprecht said.
“Having fulfilled a lifelong dream of turning professional, it gives me confidence knowing I have the best team at WME Sports guiding me through this next chapter.”
Lamprecht had a terrific career at Georgia Tech, earning All-American honors three times while winning three individual titles as a Yellow Jacket. He also recorded 24 top-10 career finishes. On top of that, his impressive resume includes the 2024 Byron Nelson Award, which he received this year as the country’s top scholar-athlete.
“Christo is the modern face of golf with his exceptional length and power, coupled with a tremendous short game,” said Jason Horrell, the co-head of WME’s Golf division.
“His talent is surpassed only by the quality of person he is off the course and we couldn’t be more excited to represent and work with him as he launches his professional career.”
In his Korn Ferry Tour debut at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open, Lamprecht missed the cut, shooting an 8-over 78 on day one. But he rebounded with a strong 7-under 63 in round two.
He also missed the cut at The Masters this year, but surely, a bright future for Lamprecht lies ahead. He was the top-ranked amateur player before turning professional.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.