Jin Jeong isn’t used to seeing his face plastered on posters, but the little-known Korean golfer is lapping up the experience as he prepares to defend his Perth International crown this week.

Jeong was ranked 1066th in the world when he upset the likes of Dustin Johnson, Ross Fisher, Brett Rumford and inaugural champion Bo Van Pelt to win last year’s Perth International.

His maiden professional triumph earned Jeong a cool $US333,330 winner’s cheque as well as a two-year exemption on the lucrative European Tour.

The 24-year-old made a bright start to his European adventure when he tied for second in the Joburg Open early in the season.

But it has been tough going from that point on, with Jeong missing the cut in 12 of his past 13 tournaments.

Although his form has been poor of late, Jeong hopes his return to Perth this week will help him regain his mojo.

“I really love this place. The golf course suits me,” Jeong said ahead of Thursday’s opening round of the $1.75 million event.

“When I got to the first tee … good memories came into my head. I feel fresh again.

“When I walk past people they’ve been shaking my hand and saying, ‘Hey, defending champion’.

“There’s a little bit of pressure seeing myself on the walls and posters, but it’s a good experience.”

Jeong was just 16 years old when he made the move from Korea to Australia in order to enhance his golfing prospects.

The former world No.1 amateur now considers Melbourne his home, and admitted to feeling a tad homesick being on the road for long periods during the European Tour.

For the moment, Jeong is feeling right at home in Perth, but he knows he faces a tough challenge to defend his crown in a field featuring major winners Jason Dufner, Charl Schwartzel and Geoff Ogilvy, as well as rising French star Victor Dubuisson.