Sarah Jane Smith has been plying her trade anonymously in America for nine years now, but perhaps it is time for the Caloundra golfer to announce herself. After a “crazy&apos&apos start to the new season that has included trips to four countries, Smith carded a four-under-par 68 at Victoria today to put herself in contention for the ISPS Handa Women&aposs Australian Open. The 29-year-old Smith is in her ninth season on the LPGA Tour in the United States, but steady rather than spectacular results have kept her under the radar. A bogey-free round today, spiced with four birdies, put her within two shots of the early lead held by Norway&aposs Suzann Pettersen, the world No. 2. Smith played the LPGA season-opener in the Bahamas last month and also the New Zealand Open and the Australian Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast, where she finished tied-13th. “It&aposs been a crazy start to the year,&apos&apos she said today. “We came home for Christmas and then my husband&aposs sister got married in Fiji, so we went to Fiji, straight to the Bahamas and then New Zealand, Gold Coast, here, so we&aposre a few in at the moment. But I like to play a lot, so it sort of suits me.&apos&apos Born in Geelong but based in Queensland when she is not on tour, Smith&aposs competitive fires were stoked by playing in the Open. “I mean, there&aposs nothing better than playing in your home country in the National Championships. It&aposs definitely something that&aposs always been super special for me.&apos&apos
Author: Martin Blake / www.golf.org.au