When Adam Scott sealed his historic Masters win at Augusta National in April, trainee professional Jack Wilson was likely starting a shift at the Kingswood golf club pro-shop in Victoria.

On Sunday, Wilson spent most of the day threatening to upstage the world No.2 by claiming the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast.

In the end, Scott surged away to win the Joe Kirkwood Cup by four shots while 23-year-old Wilson had to settle for third place.

It’s still easily the biggest moment of his brief career.

Scott’s $225,000 winner’s cheque is essentially loose change to the multi-millionaire but Wilson’s collect of $84,375 could be the catalyst to establishing himself as touring professional.

The two men couldn’t live more different lives.

Scott is a global star who flies around the world in private jets and will return to the pampered lifestyle of a US PGA Tour pro following his four-week stay in Australia.

As part of his PGA of Australia traineeship, Wilson must put in 38 hours a week at his local club’s pro shop, learning the ins and outs of the business side to the game.

He also needs to combine that with a minimum of 20 rounds of tournament golf a year and achieve an average of 4.75 over par or better across that time.

Wilson will aim to build on his achievement for the rest of the summer when he lines up at the Australian Masters and Australian Open but he also acknowledges the day job awaits at the end of November.

“Hopefully back up another good week and then it’s onto the NSW Open and the Australian Open after that and then some time off,” Wilson said.

“It’s back to work for me. I have to do some hours in the shop and finish all the requirements for the traineeship.

“I will have everything completed by the end of the year, early December. I’ve completed the academics and other requirements.

“There will be some shop hours I will have to complete early in the next year.”

Scott was full of praise for his unknown rival, tipping fans might just have witnessed the first step in a glittering career.

“We might be looking at one of the next great players from Australia,” he said.

“I wish him the best for the rest of the summer. We should be encouraging guys like that to keep at it.”