Matti Schmid says his college days in Kentucky proved invaluable on his road to the professional ranks as he returns to familiar ground for this week’s Barbasol Championship.
The German spent four years at the University of Louisville from 2017 to 2021, before he turned professional last summer at the age of 23 after he won the Silver Medal as the low amateur in The Open Championship at Royal St George’s.
Schmid comes into his first appearance as a professional in the United States at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville on the back of two recent outings in his home country on the DP World Tour with fond memories of his time over the Atlantic.
“I had a great time here at college ‑ as a Louisville Cardinal,” Schmid said at his pre-tournament interview.
“I think it helped my golf game tremendously. I wasn't that good before. I would say I don't think I would have made it straightaway on Tour, a high level on Tour, but college really has prepared me and has given me the opportunity to improve.”
Schmid won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award for 2021 as he secured his DP World Tour card for this season in just seven appearances, and he is delighted with the progress he has made over the last 12 months.
“I'm obviously very proud of myself that I was capable of doing that,” said the 24-year-old, whose best performance so far this season came at the Steyn City Championship in South Africa where he finished tied third.
“I have to say I was very thankful for the DP World Tour who have given me starts as an amateur and I think that just has prepared me a bit better.
“Once I turned pro, I know how things worked and I wasn't as nervous. That helped, helped a lot to achieve those things.”
The field in Kentucky, and for next week’s Barracuda Championship in California, contains 50 DP World Tour members who have been provided with an opportunity to play thanks to the strategic alliance with the PGA TOUR.
It's another opportunity to shine. I'm glad we have so many of those on Tour.
Last week, the Tours announced an expansion of that alliance to a 13-year operational joint venture partnership which will bring even greater benefits for both memberships.
With DP World Tour Ranking points on offer this week and the opportunity for the winner to secure the final spot into next week’s The Open at St Andrews, Schmid is determined to give his best on a course he has played at before.
“It's another opportunity to shine. I'm glad we have so many of those on Tour,” he added.
“I know the conditions, let’s see if the game's there this week.”
