As the sun sets over the beautiful island of Fiji, so too does it over the amateur career of prominent Western Australian golfer Jarryd Felton as he tees off in his first event as a professional.

Twenty year old Felton from Gosnells Golf Club in Perth made the decision to move into the professional ranks of golf following a strong showing at the recent Asia Amateur Championship in Hong Kong where he
finished in a tie for 19^th after the final round was cancelled due to bad weather.

Felton’s profile in golf nationally and internationally has risen from strength to strength with major achievements including being a four time WA State Team Member (2012-2015), two time winner of the Mandurah Amateur Championship (2013, 2014), TAS Open Champion (2014), NSW Open Champion (2014) and
member of the National Squad in 2015. 

Most recently, Felton represented Australia at the Argentine Amateur and Southern Cross Invitational where he finished runner up in both events.  He also went undefeated in the 2015 Interstate Series as the number one seeded player and finished the major amateur season winning the WA Paxton Averages
with the second lowest average in history of 68.47.

Felton will play his first event as a professional at this week’s Fiji International after receiving a tournament exemption from the PGA of Australia.

"I’m really excited to be making the move to the pro ranks and what better place to start than on this amazing island with some of the world’s best golfers!" said Felton.

"I have really enjoyed my amateur career and have had some amazing experiences playing in Australia and around the world thanks to the support of my parents, my Golf Club and of course Golf Australia and Golf WA.  Whilst I’ll miss the amateur events I’ve grown to love, I can’t wait to start this
next chapter of my golf career and life."

In his debut event, Felton will tee it up with the likes of Vijay Singh, world number 16 Matt Kuchar, Australian Masters champion Nick Cullen and Aussie legend Peter O’Malley.  All will be vying for a piece of the AU$1.125m purse on offer.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide Jarryd with a tournament invite for the Fiji International," said Simon Butterly, General Manager, Tournament Division of the PGA of Australia.

"An international tournament of this scale is sure to provide a memorable week for Jarryd in his first as a Professional. But also provide opportunities for him to launch his career. The winner of the Fiji International will be exempt onto the PGA Tour of Australasia through until 2018 as well as receiving
Official World Golf Ranking points and of course the winner’s cheque of AU $202,500."

"Throughout his amateur days Jarryd has shown great talent and potential. We look forward to seeing this develop throughout his Professional career as a player on the PGA Tour of Australasia."