As the 2019 Boys Champion of the new junior tournament played in October, the 17-year-old has earned a lucrative place in the field at the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia tournament alongside Australia’s leading golfers.

But if the young gun’s recent results, which includes a runner-up finish at the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series’ WA Open, are anything to go by, he won’t be out of place at this week’s exciting event.

“Like all golfers we set ourselves goals and hope we pull them off during an event,” Hopewell said.

“I have certain benchmarks I like to hit and will work hard to achieve those goals. For both of those tournaments I had a game plan, I stuck to it and believed anything is possible. 

“For me I enjoy the challenge and executing my game plans and making those shots I know I can make.”

The Super 6 format and playing at a foreign golf course will present new challenges for the Fremantle local. But it’s something the rising star will take in his stride when he tees off at the Yallourn Golf Club.

“I’ve discussed my game plan with my mentor and game plan coach Hudson and my swing coach Ritchie Smith, which always gives me some very high goals to set,” he said.

“This type of tournament will need me to knuckle down early, not make too many mistakes but also really go for it, because if you leave something behind it could certainly slip away especially being 6 holes on Sunday. 

“I think I’ve got an explosive game play and I have the same chances as anyone.”

With a number of experienced Australian professionals in the field, including Marcus Fraser and the likes of Australian Tour front-runners Darren Beck and Brett Rankin, Hopewell will use the opportunity to further develop both the mental and physical side of his game.

“I’m really looking forward to watching how the other pros go about their business and how they are playing the game,” he said.

“Even having the opportunity to chat to Geoff (Ogilvy) or Marcus about what the game of golf was like for them at my age; it’s going to be a great experience. 

“Coming from WA we only get to see these types of players during our Super 6 at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, so to be a part of it in Gippsland is incredible.”

Although he is at the tournament to compete, Hopewell won’t let the up-close fan experience pass him by.

“I’ve collected the signatures of a lot of legends for my ball collection so even though I’m in the same tournament I’m still a huge fan of these players,” he said.

“I have watched the Perth Super 6 and walked around following my favourite golfers, so to actually play in a 6’s event is very special.”

Hayden Hopewell will begin his Gippsland Super 6 campaign at 8am on Thursday.

The Gippsland Super 6 will be played at Yallourn Golf Club from 7-10 November as part of the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.