DUBLIN, Ohio, May 20, 2013 (AFP) - The 14-year-old prodigy won the low amateur's Silver Cup last month at Augusta National and shared 58th at the Masters and followed up two weeks later by making the cut at finishing 71st at a PGA event in New Orleans.
Guan missed the cut at last week's Byron Nelson Championship but on Monday accepted a sponsor's exemption invitation into next week's event, which will be hosted by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village.
"I have had the fortunate pleasure of spending time with Guan and his family and I have found him to be mature beyond his years and very passionate about his development in the game," Nicklaus said.
"The performance of this young 14-year-old -- who, mind you, is just an eighth-grader -- in making the cut at the Masters and then in New Orleans was fantastic.
"His maturity, composure and competitiveness in these two significant events sends a message that this young man has a wonderful future."
Guan won last year's Asia Pacific Amateur Championship to qualify for the Masters and has been solid in competing against veteran players in tour events since his Masters breakthrough.
"For the growth of the game internationally, he is a role model for all aspiring Asian amateurs, as well as young boys and girls around the globe," Nicklaus said.
"So it is only appropriate to give him another opportunity to compete on a world-class stage."
Guan, a Guangzhou native who is rated 78th in the world amateur rankings, failed to qualify for the British Open and has not said whether or not he will try to qualify for next month's US Open.
"I am very excited to accept the invitation to play at the Memorial Tournament," Guan said. "It is Jack Nicklaus' event, and I have very high respect to Mr. Nicklaus, not just as a golf legend but also as a great person.
"He has been actively involved in the development of golf in China, and junior golf development worldwide, and as a junior golfer myself I appreciate what he has done to help us grow."
One of the highlights of Guan's week at the Masters was having the chance to meet Nicklaus.
"I appreciate a lot the Memorial Tournament for having me there and it is going to be a great week," Guan said.
Nicklaus said that he hoped to make the Asia Pacific Amateur champion a regular qualifier for the Memorial just as the US and British amateur champions are.