Very little stands between Golf NSW representative Travis Smyth and the title of Australian Amateur Champion…Just one opponent, Connor Syme of Scotland, and 36 holes of match play around Metropolitan Golf Club.
Smyth will be riding a big wave of confidence into the final after easily accounting for his quarter and semi-final opponents today.
“Today felt really good. I was picking very small targets to hit,” said Smyth. Aim small – miss small, I always say to myself.”
The St. Michael's Golf Club member was never headed at any stage of his matches today, accounting for world no. 24, Scotland’s Grant Forrest 4 and 3 in the morning quarter final before defeating Bonnie Doon Golf Club’s Austin Bautista in the afternoon semi-final 5 and 3.
“I got in front early in both matches, and kind of just kept on applying pressure. It was like I was in total control today.”
“I was always in the driver’s seat. Yeah, it felt pretty close to being in the zone.”
Victory tomorrow will be the crown jewel of the 21-year old's amateur career to date. He is aware however that there’s still a lot of golf to be played.
“I mean I won the Riversdale Cup and it took a lot to win, but if I win the Australian Amateur title it would be the best for sure.”
“I’m feeling really confident around this golf course though, particularly the back nine; and the way I’m playing, he’s going to have to play pretty darn good to beat me.”
As much as Smyth is enjoying his golf and the golf course, it seems the Metropolitan Golf Club members appreciate Smyth’s golf as well.
“The members of Metropolitan have been really good to me. It feels like they’ve been on my side for all my matches. They’ve been really nice. I’m definitely going to put a good show on for them in the final.”
Harrsion Endycott, Smyth’s room mate, was knocked out in the morning quarter final. It does mean however he’s now been handed caddying duties for the final.
“Harrison was on the bag for the semi. He knows my game and how I think so it will be good to have him there tomorrow too.”
In the meantime, it is a bit of recovery and a good night’s sleep is in store.
“I’m so sore. I’ll do some recovery, get something to eat and have a bit of an early night."
"Tomorrow night will be for celebrating though, and we’ll have a reason to celebrate for sure,” Smyth laughs.