SKorean teenager aims for US PGA Tour

South Korean teenage golfing prodigy Noh Seung-Yul has admitted he is eyeing the US PGA Tour as he seeks to build on his breakthrough 2008 season.

Noh, competing on home soil for the first time this year, will be battling a powerful field at this week's Ballantine's Championship but said his experience of playing abroad and taking on top golfers had improved his game.

The 17-year-old won his maiden Asian Tour title last year, the Midea China Classic, finishing 10th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Now he has his sights set on the US PGA Tour, saying his aim is to qualify within the next three years.

"I would like to qualify as soon as possible and if I had my way I would like to actually play on the US PGA tour this year, qualify this year so I can grow next year," he said.

"Within the next three years is my goal," added Noh, who won the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year award in 2008.

Noh, who lost in a play-off at the Maekyung Open in South Korea last year, said 2008 was a "year of growth" and while winning was important, he also wanted to create a foundation to play tournaments in the United States.

"Unfortunately, I don't think I'm good enough to be invited to the United States yet," he said.

The 2.1-million-euro (2.7-million-dollar) Ballantine's Championship, on the South Korean holiday island of Jeju, also features major champions Ernie Els and Fred Couples as well as Ryder Cup stalwarts Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell, who is the title holder.