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Nicolai Højgaard motivated by twin Rasmus' win
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Nicolai Højgaard motivated by twin Rasmus' win

Nicolai Højgaard says watching his twin brother Rasmus clinch his maiden European Tour title at the age of 18 has motivated him to get in the winner's circle himself.

Nicolai Højgaard

Rasmus has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent months, becoming the first player born in the 21st century to graduate from the European Tour Qualifying School in November before coming out on top in a dramatic play-off to win the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open last time out.

Nicolai has also made a bright start to his fledgling professional career, finishing second behind European Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia at the KLM Open in September.

And the young Dane is keen to emulate his brother's achievement but insists he will only be focusing on getting better rather than winning when he tees it up at the Australian PGA Championship this week.

He said: "It's a big motivation, for sure. I'm really happy for Rasmus but I really want to do the same.

"I'm trying to not get carried away with his result and try to focus a bit more on myself. If I finish second here, it's still good.

"I don’t have to compare myself to him all the time. I'm happy for him, hopefully I can follow that up this week.

"It would be cool to follow up my brother, but sometimes it just comes out of nowhere.

"I saw last season it can happen suddenly. I'm hoping for a good week here, I’m not focusing on the result. I’m trying to improve my golf; this is a kick-start to the season so it would be nice to have a good finish."

Calum Hill

Calum Hill has made an impressive start to life on the European Tour since finishing second on the 2019 Road to Mallorca to earn his playing privileges.

The Scot opened the 2020 season with a 13th place finish at the Alfred Dunhill Championship before coming joint 17th in Mauritius a week later.

After watching his countryman Robert MacIntyre win the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award in 2019, Hill has his sights set on doing the same this season.

When asked if MacIntyre's achievement was on his mind, Hill, who is also in a highly competitive field at RACV Royal Pines Resort this week, said: "Of course it is. It has to be. 

"You hope to achieve similar to what he has done, if that happens then you’re laughing. Fingers crossed."