Playing in his first tournament since turning pro almost two weeks ago, former amateur star Jin Cheng shot a 3-under 67 to take a five-shot lead after Tuesday's opening round of the PGA Tour Series China mainland qualifying tournament at Foison Golf Club in Guangzhou.
All eyes are on the 20-year-old this week after his decision last month to leave the University of Southern California in order to pursue his dream of playing professional golf.
Jin lived up to the high expectations by leading the 100-player field, carding five birdies and two bogeys while looking to secure one of 12 full cards available this week.
Finishers 13-35, including ties, will earn conditional status through the first six events.
"I didn't really think of it as my first round as a professional; I just tried to have a good 18 holes and take it shot by shot. Thankfully it ended up OK," Jin said.
"I think it was a solid round and I didn't make a lot of mistakes. I made some nice birdies on the par-5s and shorter holes."
A native of Beijing, Jin said he worked hard in the offseason and is pleased to have an early lead as he looks to come back and compete as a pro on his "home tour", where he has already recorded six top-10s and a victory as an amateur.
"I've been practicing a lot in the offseason and I had a very good winter," said Jin. "I'm happy with my round today and hopefully I can keep it going for the rest of the week."
Jin got off to a good start, with three consecutive birdies from No 3 before adding another on the 10th. Starting on hole 14, he then went bogey-birdie-bogey before finishing with two pars.
Jin said he is inspired by compatriots Dou Zecheng and Zhang Xinjun, who both graduated from the PGA Tour Series China and played on the 2017-18 PGA Tour.
"Seeing Dou and Zhang playing on the PGA Tour motivates me," said Jin.
"They are both great players, and to be able to play on the biggest stage in golf is definitely something that everyone wants to achieve."
There were seven amateurs in the top 10 after the opening round, including Yin Fengru, who tied for second at 2-over with Nan Chenyou.
