Bring on the bling factor

By Jamie Elson European Tour rookie

Jamie will be filing monthly insights for the BBC Sport website on life as a rookie on the European Tour.

Jonny Wilkinson might be feeling the pressure of fame right now but for me the journey is just beginning.

Jamie Elson factfile DOB: 23 May 1981 Lives: Kenilworth, Warwickshire Career highlights: Member of winning 2001 Walker Cup team; Turned pro March 2003; Maiden Challenge Tour win in 2003 Finnish Open; Qualifies for European Tour in debut season

The 2004 season marks my first year on the European Tour having qualified via the Challenge Tour at the first time of asking.

It's been a long 2003 but now I've stepped up a level, next year will be even bigger. I've already noticed the increase in the "bling" factor.

I've recently played in Hong Kong, I've got a clothing deal and a sponsored car.

I went to the Tommy Hilfiger golf launch party in London recently which was a top night.

There were all sorts people there from the fashion world, they had a crazy golf course set up and a couple of DJs.

Unfortunately there were no models but I like to wear clothes that might bring a bit of funk to the Tour.

I won't be ordering any baggy tracksuits or 50 Cent jewellery just yet though.

I don't want to be the kind of player who does really well one week, then misses seven or eight cuts in a row Jamie Elson

That said I'm not shy of the glitz and glamour that goes with fame.

Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia are famous the world over but they deserve that because they've played at such a high level for a sustained period.

I'd like to be that famous one day and unlike Mr Wilkinson I think I'd relish it.

Hot in Hong Kong

Going to the Far East for the Hong Kong Open was pretty high on the bling-bling scale. The place is fantastic.

We stayed in Kowloon which is right in the heart of city just on the water.

It meant we had to get the train to the course every day which was quite interesting when you have to squeeze yourself into the train during rush hour with all your clubs.

Richard McEvoy set a blistering pace in the Hong Kong Open

The trip represented the first time I've been away where I've really had a chance to see a city properly. We went to see the famous markets where they've got all the fake stuff for sale.

Jewellery, watches, clothes - you name it. So my girlfriend's got a nice new handbag now - just kidding.

We also went to Hong Kong island which had a real buzz to it. It was a mad city with loads of people and loads of stuff to do.

On the course the golf went reasonably well. I made the cut and I was sharing a room with Richard McEvoy who was flying on the first two days.

Academy: Keep the ball bouncing with Jamie and Zane

He lost it a bit on the weekend but he probably learned the best golf lesson of his life out there and he picked up some good money.

I think he can make his mark. He'll suit the European Tour more than the Challenge Tour because he's got a fantastic long game.

Looking ahead to my season I'm relishing the chance to go to places like South Africa.

My dream would be to win a tournament and be Rookie of the Year.

But I want to be consistent. I don't want to be the kind of player who does really well one week, then misses seven or eight cuts in a row.

The pressure for me was to get my card. Now I feel like I've started out again.