Top amateur Jin must choose which country to play for

Scotland: After underlining his status as one of the world’s best amateurs, South Korean youngster Jin Jeong must choose which country to represent.

Jin, 20, who has lived in Australia for four years and has permanent residency there, carded a 72 for a four-under total of 284 to claim the British Open silver medal as leading amateur but said he was unsure how the Korean Golf Association picked its players. “I’m not sure I can play in the Eisenhower Cup (amateur team event) this year. I really want to play there,” he told a news conference after finishing tied 14th at St Andrews on Sunday. “I haven’t played any Korean national tournaments. I can’t say much about citizenship because we need to wait and we need to think about it more.” Jin’s coach Trevor Flakemore is keen to get him playing for Australia. “In my mind he’s the number one amateur in the world and doesn’t get chosen (by Korea) which is a little strange and probably embarrassing for them,” said Australian Flakemore. “He’s trying to be a little bit careful diplomatically. We were hoping South Korea might have put him in the Eisenhower Cup team but Australia would certainly love to have him. “We’ll sit down tonight and tomorrow, speak to his father, and find out what should happen,” added Flakemore as he swelled with pride and battled to overcome his emotions. Bureau Report