Advertisement

Trophy, fishing on Frenchman's agenda in WA

Victor Dubuisson chips to the green during the recent European Masters in Switzerland. Picture: European Pressphoto Agency

Victor Dubuisson has never been to Perth and fears he has been missing out - but that's all about to change.

The French golfer is coming to WA with plans to upset Charl Schwartzel and Jason Dufner and lift the Perth International trophy next month, but the 24-year-old is also keen to go fishing while he's here.

"One of my favourite things about playing professional golf is that I get to travel the world, constantly experiencing different cultures," Dubuisson said.

"I've never competed in WA and I feel like I've been missing out.

"I love fishing and I try to do it whenever or wherever I can.

"My tour schedule is fairly restless and hectic and fishing calms me.

"It focuses my mind in a way that few other things can.

"I've heard Rottnest Island is a great place to wet a line and I'd love to get out there if I can find the time."

And as for the stiff competition the world No.23 will be taking on in the third instalment of the $2 million tournament at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, Dubuisson has every reason to feel positive.

"Obviously it is an extremely strong field this year but I have to be confident of winning any tournament I enter," he said.

"If I didn't believe I could win, there would be little point in turning up."

Dubuisson has had a rapid rise since making the transition from being the world's No.1 amateur to a professional in 2010.

He had a breakthrough European Tour victory at the Turkish Airlines Open in November last year and has played more on the PGA Tour this year.

In February, Dubuisson pushed Australian Jason Day all the way in the WGC Match Play Championship, eventually finishing runner-up.

"I just try to keep fresh, work with the right people," he said.

"I trust my ability, work hard and hope that it's good enough. This year has been really exciting but it has been difficult to adapt for me.

"I'm away from my friends and family in the US so I like coming home. I still really like playing in Europe so I'll continue to play both Tours if I can."

Dubuisson said he hoped to inspire the next generation in his country as the only Frenchman inside the world's top 100.

But despite being one of just three men under the age of 25 ranked inside the top 25, he's trying not to put too much pressure on himself.

"Of course I would love to win a major," he said. "For now though, my main focus is on improving my ranking and hopefully getting into the world's top 10.

"I try not to think too far into the future in terms of what I can achieve. Of course I dream, but for now my focus is simply on the next step."

Dubuisson will make his Ryder Cup debut for Europe in Scotland on Friday.

"Getting into Europe's Ryder Cup team was something I had aspired to for a while, so I am very happy about that," he said. "It is a dream come true and I am very much looking forward to it."

Dubuisson said it was his grandfather who introduced him to the game as a youngster growing up in Cannes.

But it was Tiger Woods' US Masters win in 1997 that truly inspired him.

"I just couldn't get enough. I have great passion for the game," he said.

"It's slightly surreal seeing my name on the same leaderboard as his (Woods') but I don't let it affect my game. When I am playing it is not about the rest of the field, it's just me."

And Dubuisson hasn't let the fame that has come with his success change him.

"I still hang out with the same people and enjoy the same things I always have," he said.

"I have always had an interest in cars and watches and recent success has helped me indulge those particular passions."