Gotemba, Japan: When Jasper Stubbs tees-off in the 15th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), only one thought will be in his mind.

“The goal is to win and book myself a ticket to two more Majors. That's the plan,” said the Australian, still on a high after a whirlwind year highlighted by appearances in The Masters and the The Open Championship.

The chance to tee-up at Augusta National and Royal Troon in 2024 came courtesy of his dramatic play-off victory in the 14th AAC at Royal Melbourne last October.

Although he missed the cut at two of professional golf’s showpiece events, the experiences have only served to strengthen his resolve to return to those famous stages.

Reflecting on what he described as a year he’ll never forget, 22-year-old Stubbs said: “I think I’ve seen everything this year that's always been a dream to me.

“Winning this Championship last year was always on the table. It was a goal of mine from the start of last year and to have that come to fruition was pretty cool. Then, the fruits of my labour after that were pretty awesome with the two Majors. They were some of the best experiences of my life. It’s been a year I’ll never forget, and I’m grateful for that.”

Although those memories remain vivid, the immediate task for Stubbs is to be mentally and physically prepared for his title defence at the Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course from October 3-6 in what will be his first visit to Japan.

He said: “The game’s feeling pretty good. Give me two more weeks, and I think I’ll be ready to take on Japan.

“For anyone in the world of golf, amateur or professional, any chance you’ve got to get to two Majors, you definitely want to take that opportunity. I don't think anyone would pass up the opportunity to be to be able to do it.

“And having experienced that this year, I think I’ve got a little bit more of a taste of what it actually entails to play professional, Major championship level golf. So that’s what I look to do again. I want to have that feeling again. This is another great opportunity to get me back there and hopefully do a little bit better this time.”