Rising Australian golf star Todd Sinnott is turning professional after a stellar summer.

The 22-year-old from Melbourne ended his amateur career after winning his PGA Tour of Australasia card with a second-placed finish at last week’s qualifying school at Victoria Golf Club.

This comes after strong back-to-back performances in the Australian Masters and Australian Open in November, where Sinnott lined up against seasoned pros.

He shared rounds with Adam Scott, Australian Open champion Jordan Spieth, US Tour players Steve Bowditch and Boo Weekley, European Tour veteran Richard Green and world No.1 Rory McIlroy.

The power-hitting Metropolitan member says he was in a hurry to make the move three years ago.

“Like most amateurs, I really wanted to go pro as soon as I could,” Sinnott said.

“But I’m really grateful I’ve got some great people around me – (coach) Marty (Joyce) and the GA guys – who taught me to be patient and that there was no point turning until my game was ready.

“Now I think I have had the exposure in pro events and to some of the best players in the world so I know exactly where I stand.”

Sinnott’s maiden pro tournament is the February 5-8 Victorian Open at 13th Beach in Barwon Heads – the first of five events in a six-week introductory stretch.

He’ll then shoot for several starts on the European Tour’s secondary Challenge Tour during winter, in his hopes to eventually reach the US PGA Tour.

Sinnott said he doesn’t have any tournament win goals, instead aiming to improve his world ranking.

“I think I’ve shown my game can compete – I was leading the Aussie Open halfway through the third round,” he said.

“So it’s just a matter of playing my own game and feeling comfortable out there.”