The 19-year-old Australian College of Elite Golf (ACEG) student qualified for the tournament while competing at the Glenmore Heritage Golf Club on Monday, November 10.

According to Shields he struggled through the qualification round, but was pleased to discover he made the playoff to secure a spot for the NSW Open.

After making a birdie on the third playoff, Shields qualified to compete in the professional tournament held annually for both national and international competitiors.

Shields was among the 32 competitors who qualified for the amateur category.

The three-day open hit off three days later at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, Colebee in Western Sydney on November 13.

There Shields was rubbing shoulders with well-known professional golfers such as James Nitties, Peter Lonard, US amateur champion Gunn Yang and Nathan Green.

The tournament involved two practice rounds and four official rounds.

According to Shields he struggled throughout the week and was unable to post a decent round.

“I’m extremely happy about qualifying, but also feeling disappointed as I had high expectations,” he said.

“Honestly I don’t think I was fully prepared for the week, it is such a different atmosphere with camera crews, news reporters and radio presentors everywhere. 

“The hype for the week is amazing, you just need to focus and not get caught up in it.”

Despite not making the cut the teenager gained experience and got a taste of what is yet to come in his golfing career.

“I now have a lot more knowledge of the pro life and what it takes to compete at the top level,” he said.

“So now onto bigger and better things.”

Shields is currently on break from college and will spend this time preparing for the 2015 season which begins mid-January.