Camiko Smith will tee off at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, on Monday knowing that two solid rounds of golf could make him the first Bermudian to compete at the US Open.

Smith professional will be among those seeking to advance to the main event, which takes place from June 12 to 15 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, North Carolina, at next week’s Sectional Qualifying, the second and final stage of qualifiers for US Open hopefuls.

Played over 36 holes in one day, sectional qualifying is a test of skill and endurance, with the number of qualifying spots determined by the quality and quantity of the field at each location.

Smith cleared the first hurdle in his bid for US Open qualification after advancing from Local Qualifying in Narragansett, Rhode Island, earlier this month.

He shot a four-over-par 75 in trying conditions at the Point Judith Country Club and then did just enough in a five-man play-off to determine who advanced to the second and final phase of US Open qualifying.

Now he is determined to make the cut in Maryland next week and will enter the tournament with his confidence soaring. And for good reason.

“Qualifying for the second round has heightened my confidence a lot,” Smith said. “It solidified that I can compete at a high level.”

Smith is reaping the rewards of all the hard work and sacrifices he has made more recently to enhance his chances of fulfilling his ambitions.

“It feels good to know that the hard work that I have put into my game over the last year is paying off,” he added. “I am feeling confident with the direction my game is headed.”

Playing 36 holes in a single day with so much at stake will be no easy feat, both physically and mentally.

But Smith, who is made of sterner stuff these days, is up for the challenge and has already mapped out his game plan.

“Sectionals is played over 36 holes in one day so, I intend on being patient and staying in the present, pacing myself and focusing on one shot at a time,” he said.

As for his preparations ahead of next week’s all-important sectional qualifier, the 28-year-old said: “I have been consistent in my training, doing the same routine that has got me to where I am today.”