The 2015 NSW Open Golf Championship is squarely in Travis Smyth’s sights.
“I’m going out there to win, that’s for sure.”
Smyth has been playing plenty of competitive golf recently, and logging plenty of frequent flyer points in the process. He was part of the Australian contingent that posted some impressive scores in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong in early October then backed up with a trip to the Nomura Cup in Abu Dhabi a few weeks later.
“I feel I’m playing better every week,” he says. “I’ve learnt a lot about different course conditions and managing my game.”
Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course suits Smyth. His length from the tee may be an advantage this week.
“I like the course. There’s a few driver holes out there and I can get home on a couple of the par-fives in two.”
Smyth teed off in the 2014 NSW Open Golf Championship with no expectations at all. It was the first time he had ever competed with the professionals, and there were a few butterflies in his stomach when his name was called to the first tee.
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“It was my first time playing a ‘pro’ tournament. I really wanted to play well.” He says.
Smyth surprised not only himself but plenty of others with his 9th place finish last year. He didn’t quite take the low amateur prize, but impressed plenty of spectators with the quality of his golf game.
The NSW Open result showed what he is capable of. Armed with the knowledge his game will stand up under pressure, and It wasn't going to be too long before he did it again.
“I ran 9th in the NSW PGA a few weeks later. ”He says.
With his self belief sky high, Smyth kick started his 2015 schedule with a win in the Riversdale Cup in early March.
“The Riversdale Cup was a huge win for me. It’s the biggest result I’ve had,” he says. “To win on the Sunday, I just knew I had to remain composed on the back nine and take my chance when I did.”
“The lesson I learnt from the NSW Open, keeping my confidence up…it really helped.”
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Hard work and plenty of training time with the Golf NSW High Performance squad this year have also helped Travis up to the next level, something that Smyth readily acknowledges.
The team at Precision Athletica and Golf NSW High Performance Coach Dean Kinney have brought the best out in Smyth.
“The guys at the NSW HP squad have been awesome. Everything I’ve been doing with them has helped,” he says.”The whole team environment is the best part, working with everyone and pushing together as a group,” he says.
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The 2015 New South Wales Open Golf Championship will be played at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club from 12 to 15 November 2015. The Championship forms part of the 2015 Australasian PGA Tour schedule. ENTRY IS FREE. For more information visit: www.nswopen.com
The NSW Open Golf Championship – Defining Legends Since 1931