Second in the Road to Oman Rankings, Jordan L Smith says his focus remains on producing good results as he looks to secure a European Tour card for 2017.
With just six events remaining on the Challenge Tour Schedule, Smith has made a strong start at the Kazakhstan Open, carding a five under par first round of 67 at Zhailjau Golf Resort.
“During the two weeks off, I had a lot of practise with my coach,” said Smith. “I made a few changes in the bag too. I went out there today and felt really good.
“I made a couple of bad swings coming in but, apart from that, I’m really happy with how I played. The final few holes are tough, and that last hole is demanding if you don’t get your driver in the right spot.
“I’m looking forward to the next three days, hopefully the weather will hold off.”
After finishing inside the top 15 in his last four events, Smith believes that hard work behind the scenes is paying dividends.
“It’s a combination of the confidence I’ve had throughout the year and the hard work I’m doing with my coach,” he said. “I know I need go out there and enjoy myself.
“I’m not worrying about the money-side of things, I just want to go out there and have a bit of fun.”
France’s Romain Langasque and Norwegian Olympian Espen Kofstad join Smith on five under par after the conclusion of the morning session. Simon Forsstrӧm leads by two shots after his first round of 65.
