Masters victor inspires Smith

The 72-hole tournament officially gets underway tomorrow at the 7,057-yard, par-70 TPC Scottsdale Champions layout in Arizona.

Smith, 25, is among the field of 144 amateur golfers competing in Arizona Golf Association’s second major championship of the season.

The nephew of veteran distance runner Kavin Smith reckons he is in solid form on the eve of his Arizona Stroke Play Championships debut.

He said: “I feel pretty good, although I haven’t played too much lately. But I have been practicing a lot and I’m striking the ball alright.”

Smith is optimistic he can hold his own in Arizona. But rather than burden himself with expectations he intends to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground and take matters all in stride.

“I just want to stick to the basics and try and keep things simple.

“This is my first time playing here and it should be pretty challenging and fun.”

Smith is using this week’s tournament as a warm-up for other upcoming major overseas events.

This summer will see the Belmont Hills employee compete in US Open qualifiers, US Amateur Championship qualifiers as well as lead Bermuda at the Island Games in the Isle of Wight.

“The summer is going to be pretty busy for me. But I should do pretty good if I can get some practice in.”

Two years ago Smith narrowly missed out qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Championships by a single shot in Maryland.

But this year he hopes to go one better and join compatriot Terrance Daniels.

“I would like to get into that. Terrance has already qualified and I would like to do the same.

“It would be a good achievement if I can qualify.”

Should the Bermudian require any inspiration heading into this week’s tournament in Arizona, perhaps he need not look any further than Charl Schwartzel’s recent stunning win at the Masters that went right down to the wire at Augusta National.

The South African came from four- shots back on the final day to win this year’s first major by two shots over Australians Adam Scott and Jason Day.

“He (Schwartzel) played very steady golf — he was solid in all four rounds. He made a lot of putts, which is always critical.

“It was a very good tournament, and it was especially pleasing to see a lot of young player like myself in contention.”

Smith was also moved by Tiger Woods’ late rally during the final round.

“He tried to make a charge but missed crucial putts on a few holes. It was a good tournament.”