After his stunning win at the UBS Hong Kong Open last month Sam Brazel tees up in this week’s prestigious Abu Dhabi Championship as a full member of the European Tour for the first time.

The unassuming Brazel has been a regular on the Asian Tour since 2013 but broke through for a career changing victory at Hong Kong Golf Club in December.

The tournament, co-sanctioned by the Euroepan Tour, offers a near three year exemption which is an opportunity not lost on Brazel.

“Feels damn amazing,” was his response in the immediate aftermath of the victory. “I don’t know what else to say. I’m speechless.”

The 38-year-old will  now have had time to reflect on his achievement and will be keen to get off to a good start in his first event this week.

Brazel is one of eight Australians in the field for one of the European Tour’s most prestigious championships, the field featuring six major winners in 2017.

Joining Brazel are Scott Hend, Andrew Dodt, Nathan Holman, Jason Scrivener, Wade Ormsby and tournament invites Curtis Luck and Brett Rumford.

Rumford has hopefully recovered from a bout of gastro that caused him to withdraw when just outside the top-10 through 36 holes in South Africa last week while Luck plays for the first time since the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

The 21-year-old has impressed all with his game since capturing the US Amateur in 2016 and this week’s tournament presents another remarkable opportunity to shine in esteemed company.

Abu Dhabi has proved a less than happy hunting ground for Australian players over the years with no Australian claiming the trophy in the tournament’s 11 year history.

None of those teeing up this year have ever recorded a top-10 in the event though it is a course that should suit Scott Hend who, coming off a brilliant 2016, might be the Australian most likely to be in the mix come Sunday.