Jordan Smith continued his remarkable rise up the ranks of world golf with a top three finish at the BMW SA Open hosted by City of Ekurhuleni – moving the Englishman up to 93rdin the latest Official World Golf Ranking.
The 24 year old has been on a steady ascent since turning professional in 2014, winning the satellite EuroPro Tour in 2015 before going on to top the 2016 Road to Oman Rankings during his first European Challenge Tour campaign the following season.
The reigning Road to Oman Number One, who triumphed twice last year in Egypt and Ras Al Khaimah, showed nerves of steel during the final round at Glendower Golf Club, pushing World Number Two Rory McIlroy and the experienced Graeme Storm close in front of huge crowds.
While Storm’s play-off victory over four-time Major Championship winner McIlroy has taken most of the headlines, Smith’s own Cinderella story has caught the eye of many golf fans.
After playing in just his fifth European Tour event, Smith was rightly ecstatic with his week’s work in Gauteng.
"That was insane," he said. "Like nothing I have experienced in my life and I absolutely loved it. I am very pleased.
"I was very, very nervous at the start of the round so to make those (early) putts was a big help and really settled me into the round.
"It was just such an amazing experience today, especially coming up the last hole there. Honestly – it was just insane.
"I am absolutely delighted with the week overall. I would have loved to have won but I got myself into contention and looking forward this experience will be invaluable for my future.
"I just can't wait to play in front of crowds like this again. This has exceeded all of my expectations ahead of the week. I knew I was playing well and was confident coming here but I didn't expect to end up in this situation."
