Illawarra Academy of Sport Graduate Travis Smyth played on the iconic St Andrew’s old course in Scotland, finishing tied for 15th at the Links Trophy tournament. The 21-year-old was among the contenders after shooting consecutive rounds of 69 through 36 holes, before finishing nine strokes off the pace. Smyth’s focus now turns to the British Amateur championships, starting on Monday night (AEST). “What a week! Sad to leave St. Andrews,” Smyth wrote on his official Facebook page. “I think I truly figured out firm running links golf after that (third round) 75 in the morning. “Even though I wished I played better that round, I learnt a lot which will help me move forward as a player. “Game is feeling good and I feel as if these next few days that I have to practice are going to be perfect for me to peak for the British Amateur.” Smyth will tee off at the Welsh Pyle and Kenfig course before moving to Royal Porthcawl. With 288 players in the field, a top 64 finish will ensure entry into the match play stage of the tournament. Among the previous tournament winners include Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal. Smyth left for the UK in form, after captaining NSW to the Australian interstate title and carding a final round 63 to finish two shots off the lead at the WA Open. “I’ve been putting in some really solid work on my swing, it’s beginning to feel really good,” he said last month. The whirlwind international tour will continue in August when Smyth plays at the US Amateur Championships at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan. He will weigh up turning professional after the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Korea in October. “If I don’t happen to win, I’ll probably turn professional and try my luck on the Australasian Tour,” Smyth told Golf NSW. “Then most likely go to the PGA Tour of China Tour School at the end of the year.”
