Rhein Gibson features in the Guinness Book of World Records for the lowest round in golf history, but the unheralded Australian professional says he’s more excited about qualifying for next year’s British Open.

Gibson has enjoyed the perks of shooting a 16-under-par 55 at the River Oaks Golf Club in Oklahoma last year, but craves more credibility in the pro ranks.

And the career break he’s been looking for came on Sunday when he tied fourth at the Australian Open at Royal Sydney, enough to secure one of three qualifying spots for the 2014 Open.

The 27-year-old from Lismore qualified alongside tour veteran John Senden and Bryden Macpherson, and can now plan next year around the fact he’s a certain starter in the field for Royal Liverpool in July.

Australian Open winner Rory McIlroy and runner-up Adam Scott are already exempt for the British major, meaning third-placed Senden (11 under) and Gibson and Macpherson (two shots back) secured the available berths.

Gibson proudly owns the latest copy of Guinness World Records, but now he’s focused on higher honours.

“My mum bought me a copy,” Gibson said.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of doubters out there, but I had the witnesses.

“It’s nice to be recognised, but I don’t want that to be my career – I want to make a career out of golf.”

After an up-and-down year where he had fallen out of exemption for the Open, Senden said his game was back on track, surging with a final-round six under on Sunday.

“It’s getting there. There’s been a few missed cuts, it hasn’t been the best year,” he said.

“But I’ve managed to get through it.

“It’s nice to go there (the Open) and play again. I managed to get into the British Open in 2006 when they played at Hoylake and next year I’m back there again. It’s a beautiful course and I’m looking forward to it.”