Yuan Yechun Photo: VCG

China's Yuan Yechun believes winning an Olympic medal in the men's golf competition will be "revolutionary" for the game's growth and development in his home country.

Yuan has put country above self by committing to Tokyo 2020, which has damaged his hopes of graduating from the Korn Ferry Tour to the PGA Tour this year.

Along with compatriot Wu Ashun, who is making his second Olympic appearance, the 24-year-old Yuan said he would not have passed up the chance to represent the Chinese flag this week. 

"We play week to week but this is probably the most excited and nervous I've ever been," he said.

"I am normally playing for myself but this is for all the people in my country who are behind me and supporting me," said Yuan. "We started the game late but I have faith that if there's anybody who can do it, it's us." 

Growing up in Dalian, Yuan took up golf at the age of nine thanks to his father's encouragement before moving to the United States when he was 14 to attend high school. 

It was then that his passion for the game grew to the extent that he decided it would be a career pathway for him.

While China's female golfer Feng Shanshan had delivered a bronze medal in Rio five years ago, Yuan reckons another podium finish by either himself or Wu, a three-time European Tour winner, will create a renewed push to attract new golfers and fans in China.

"It would be revolutionary to our industry in China and will give a lot of hope to our generation as well that we can play this game well, that we can compete against the Europeans and Americans," said Yuan. 

"If we put in the hard work, it's possible it can be done by a Chinese. A lot more people would be interested in playing our sport and it would be well known to a lot more people."

A view of the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama, Japan Photo: VCG

In order to fulfill his national duty, Yuan needed to return to China for centralized training at the end of June, which meant missing a bunch of tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour. 

He was ranked just outside the top 25, which is the cut-off point for players to earn PGA Tour cards from the regular season.

"I probably have to miss the rest of the season. That is a sacrifice that had to be made. Being able to do this for my country which happens once every four years, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. I'll never regret doing this," said Yuan.

"I'll probably try some Monday qualifying on the PGA Tour, or hopefully get some exemptions before the Korn Ferry starts again next year."

Yuan's journey was also helped by the fact that his wife, Luo Ying, is also a professional golfer. 

They met in college where Yuan attended the University of Washington, and says she has been a pillar of support as he chases his golf dreams.

So far this week, Yuan has enjoyed experiences that money cannot buy. This includes being part of Team China's contingent who marched out in the opening ceremony on Saturday night. 

"This is something I've not experienced before. I've played in the Asian Games but this is different. Being able to attend and march in the opening ceremony with my team was pretty amazing," he said.

"Being seen on TV by millions of people, being one of the athletes in this greatest sports meet, it gives me confidence in what I've been doing and it means a tremendous amount to me. Being able to play in this field with the best 60 players in the world, it shows a lot about how much I have put in to get to this point. I'm just excited to get the week started."

Looking to the Tokyo 2020 competition, Yuan expects scoring  at Kasumigaseki Country Club's East course to be low.

"The course is a great challenge. There are lots of trees and the rough is pretty heavy. If you don't hit it to the right spot, it'll be a challenge to even have a two-putt," Yuan said.

It's a great ball-strikers' golf course, and you need to hit a lot of fairways and greens and capitalize on your chances when you have those 20 feet putts. It can be tough too when it gets windy." 

"We've got the best players in the world and I'd imagine a few will go low. I've got to play my own game and take my chances on the easier hole. I'm feeling pretty good with my game and have a good strategy on how to attack this place."