Melbourne-based Professional Jin Jeong will this week play his first 2014 PGA Tour of Australasia tournament with one of golf’s most prized possessions in his pocket – a spot in the 2014 Open Championship.

Jeong secured his start at Royal Liverpool last week courtesy of a second place finish in the European Tour’s Joburg Open which forms part of the new 14-event Open Qualifying Series.

Jeong is exempt on the European Tour for both the 2014 and 2015 seasons as a result of his win at the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Peth International last year.

"Winning Perth was massive for me, but I knew it was possible," said Jeong, who admits that after a highly successful amateur career he struggled to carry momentum into the Professional ranks.

"I worked pretty hard over the last two or three years, and it was great to see something big happen."

"My expectations of myself were high, but unfortunately early on my technique wasn’t good enough to support that. Looking back now I’m happy that happened early in my career so I know how to get through it."

Understandably confident with his game Jeong said he’s looking forward to competing back in Australia this week, before he returns to Europe to continue his rookie season.

"This course suits me well, but it really depends on weather. It can get very windy here – maybe it’s great practice for the British Open." Jeong laughed.

Jeong will return to The Open in July this year for the first time since 2010 when he earned the Silver Medal as the leading amateur.