Despite struggling with jet lag after returning to Australia on Wednesday, Travis Smyth was still happy to be home following his impressive performance in last week's US Amateur Championship.
"It's great to be back home, but gee it feels cold after last week," Smyth grinned while being interviewed by local media at Kiama Golf Club.
The chill in the air was a contrast to the red-hot form that he displayed to reach the quarter finals of the USA amateur at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles and his fourth place finish in the Porter Cup in Buffalo, New York in the last month.
Smyth's world amateur ranking also climbed to a career high 22 when the standings were updated yesterday, making the St Michael's GC representative Australia's top-ranked amateur male golfer for the first time.
Although thrilled with the news, Smyth was happy to leave it understated, preferring instead to laud the achievement of seeing three NSW state team mates inside the world's top 50.
"It feels great to become Australia's highest ranked golfer, I know I've pipped Harro (Harrison Edycott) by one spot. I wasn't going to make a song and dance about it; It's just great to see the three of us (with Dylan Perry) in the top 50." He smiled.
Also greeting the 22-year-old on his return was the news that he had achieved the Golf Australia National High-Performance Program Tier II benchmark courtesy of his quarter finals appearance and his 30th place result in last year's Emirates Australian Open.
NSW National Coach Dean Kinney was thrilled to inform Smyth of his elevation to the benchmark.
"This is thoroughly deserved. I'm proud of his achievements, and this is recognition of the work and attitude he has displayed." Kinney said.
Golf Australia high-performance director Brad James concurred.
“Travis’ work ethic is outstanding, and his achievements are a wonderful reflection of both his determination and the efforts of those around him – his coach and all those involved in the Golf New South Wales high-performance program,” James said.
“We have high hopes that Travis will develop into a successful professional athlete for years to come.”