One of golf's most exciting young talents today took the step which opens the door to him becoming a European Tour star.
A month short of his 20th birthday Aaron Baddeley has already won the Australian Open twice - first as an amateur and then again last November in only his second tournament as a professional.
Before teeing off in the Greg Norman Holden International starting in Sydney on Thursday, Baddeley has paid the £2,000 sterling fee which makes him an affiliate member of the European circuit.
Because this week's tournament is co-sanctioned any money he earns will count towards the Order of Merit and come November could spare him a trip to the dreaded qualifying school.
It is the route taken by both 21-year-old Sergio Garcia and 20-year-old Adam Scott, both of whom are also in this week's line-up at The Lakes.
Baddeley, whose first Australian Open victory brought him invitations to the US Masters and US Open last season, left his switch until after he had represented his country in the World Amateur Team Championship in Berlin last August.
By retaining his national title - and being able to accept the £90,000 sterling winner's cheque this time - Baddeley did something previously only achieved since 1960 by Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. PA