The reigning Asian Tour No 1 carded a final round of 4-over 74 at Royal Birkdale to end his week with a total of 19-over 299. It was his first time making the cut in three major appearances.

"I'm happy overall. This is my first time at The Open and I made it through the weekend," Liang said.

"A tournament like this is a great learning experience. You learn to be patient, and I will take this experience and apply it in future tournaments. I can become better."

As the first Chinese to compete in the world's oldest major, Liang battled against gale-force winds that swept through Royal Birkdale. He said he hopes to make a quick return to The Open and other majors.

Liang will play in the Canadian Open, the Reno-Tahoe Open and the Wyndham Championship on the US PGA Tour over the next month after receiving invitations. He said he hopes to eventually play full time in the United States.

"I want to play on the PGA Tour, but right now I'm still laying the foundation," he said. "There are still things missing in my golf game. One thing I am trying to learn is how to peak at the right time.

"I also need to get my family and team ready before making a move to America. If things are all in place, I will give it a shot," said the 29-year-old, who finished tied for 12th in the Zurich Classic at New Orleans in the US earlier this season.

The Chinese star said K.J. Choi's title charge at the British Open has been a source of inspiration, especially since Choi started out his career on the Asian Tour in the mid-1990s.

"K.J. has already set a great example and is a role model. He is taking the same steps I am taking, from Asia to America, growing and improving.

"He's shown Asian players how this road can be traveled. K.J.'s route is for all Asian players. He is a very successful role model," Liang said.

Liang credits his early success to his experience on the Asian Tour, where he won the Order of Merit last season with one victory and eight top-10s.

"I want to thank the Asian Tour," he said. "Winning the Order of Merit has given me the opportunity to compete in the majors.

"I hope the Tour will continue to grow. Golf is a new game in China, and being an Asian player, I started with the Asian Tour and took it step by step. I still have 10 to 15 years of golf ahead of me and I want to continue stepping upward and forward."

Ultimately, Liang hopes to challenge for golf's biggest prizes.

"Patience and perseverance are the key factors and I will continue to work hard every day. One day I will reach my goal of winning a big tournament."