Liang Wenchong was a happy man after wrapping up his British Open campaign on Sunday, saying it would lay the foundation for him to become a major contender in the near future.

The reigning Asian Tour number one carded a final round of four-over-par 74 at Royal Birkdale to end his week with a 19-over-par 299 aggregate. It was the first time the Chinese star had made the cut in three Major appearances.

“I’m happy overall. This is my first time at The Open and I made it through the weekend. A tournament like this is a great learning experience. You learn to be patient and I’ll take this experience and apply it in future tournaments. I can become better,” Liang said.

As the first Chinese to compete in the world’s oldest Major, Liang battled against gale-force winds which swept through Royal Birkdale and hopes to make a quick return to The Open and other Majors.

Liang will play in the Canadian Open, Reno-Tahoe Open and Wyndham Championship on the US PGA Tour over the next few weeks after receiving invitations and said that he hopes to eventually ply his trade full time in America.

“I want to play on the PGA Tour, but right now I’m still laying the foundation. There are still things missing in my golf skills. One thing I’m trying to learn is to peak at the right time,” said the 29-year-old, who finished tied 12th in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the US earlier this season.

“I also need to get my family and team ready before making a move to America. If things are all in place, I’ll give it a shot.”

Liang, who won three times on the Omega China Tour in 2005 and 2006, said KJ Choi’s title charge at the British Open has been a source of inspiration, especially considering the Korean had played on the Asian Tour during the mid-1990s.

“KJ has set a great example and is a role model. He has taken the steps I am now taking, from Asia to America, growing and improving. He’s shown the Asian players how this road can be travelled,” Liang said.

Liang credited his early career success to his experience on the Asian Tour, where he won the Order of Merit last season with one victory and eight top-10s.

“Winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit has given me the opportunity to compete in the Majors. I hope the Tour will continue to grow. Golf is a new game in China and being an Asian player, I started with the Asian Tour and took it step by step. I still have 10 to 15 years of golf ahead of me and I want continue to step upwards and forward,” he said.

Ultimately, he wants to challenge for golf’s biggest prizes, including the four Majors.

“Patience and perseverance are the key factors and I’ll continue to work hard every day. One day I can reach my goal of winning the big tournaments.”