Nicolai Højgaard is excited to begin his professional career at the Turkish Airlines Challenge this week after a remarkable 2018, which culminated in an appearance at The Junior Ryder Cup.

The European Challenge Tour’s 2019 season begins this week at Samsun Golf Club as the next wave of young hopefuls begin their quest for European Tour playing privileges by finishing in the top 15 on the Order of Merit.

The field for the Turkish Airlines Challenge is made up of familiar faces returning in pursuit of their dream and also the new guard who are ready to make their mark on the world golfing scene.

That latter group includes the Dane, Højgaard, who appeared in The 2018 Junior Ryder Cup alongside identical twin brother Rasmus, and won 1 ½ points against Team USA to cap off a fine amateur career where he reached Number Five on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.