Nick Jones and Camiko Smith are hoping to capitalise on their experience of playing Port Royal Golf Course in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, which tees off today.

Smith is making his fourth appearance in the PGA Tour event and Jones his third after securing their spots in the Local Qualifier last month.

No Bermuda player has made the cut in the tournament’s history, a feat Jones and Smith will again attempt against some of the best players in the world.

“It’s hard when you’re competing against people who are playing this level of event week in and week out, but hopefully third time is the charm,” Ocean View teaching professional Jones told The Royal Gazette.

“Mentally, I feel good and I am really feeling the support from the local community, which means the world to me. My swing feels good but I just have to fight the nerves and try to channel the advice of my late father [Eardley Jones] to ‘swing it like I know how’.

“As for expectations, I am putting no pressure on myself and just focusing on hitting one shot at a time. I’ve been trying to prepare the best I can while still working full-time to support myself.”

Jones also hopes to capitalise on the blustery conditions in the forecast.

“The forecast for wind will hopefully be to my advantage as a local used to windy Bermuda conditions, but regardless I still have to go out and execute” he said.

“To have the opportunity to compete at this level is all I ever dreamt of when I was little.”

Smith, who blazed a record-equalling, six-under 29 on the back nine five years ago to become only the third player to achieve the feat in tournament history, is also feeling good about every aspect of his game heading into the event this year.

“Mentally, I’m in a good place and focused on the process rather than getting caught up in the occasion,” Smith said.

“Physically, I’ve put in a lot of work leading into this week and technically I feel comfortable with my game. Now it’s about trusting the preparation and executing when it matters

“My approach is to stay patient, committed to my game plan and take it one shot at a time. I’ve learnt from previous experiences here, so I want to use that knowledge without putting any unnecessary pressure on myself. I’m here to compete and I want to give myself the best opportunity to play my game for all 72 holes.

“Every time I’ve played at this level I’ve learnt something about the course, the environment, the pace of play and what it takes to compete against the best players in the world. Being able to draw on those experiences gives me a better understanding of what to expect and that will help me this week.

“I want to execute my game plan, stay present and give myself opportunities. I’m not going to put a finishing position on it before I’ve even started. If I take care of the process and play the golf I know I’m capable of, I’ll let the result take care of itself.”

As for the blustery conditions in the forecast, Smith said: “The weather is part of playing golf in Bermuda, so you have to be prepared for whatever comes.

“Wind can definitely influence how Port Royal plays, but I’m comfortable playing in those conditions. You have to be adaptable, make good decisions and commit to your shots.”

Like Jones, Smith is also grateful for the opportunity to compete in a PGA Tour event.

“To be able to compete in a PGA Tour event on home soil, at Port Royal, where so much of my journey started, is something I’m extremely grateful for,” he said.

“At the same time, I’m not satisfied just to be here. I’ve worked hard and grateful for these opportunities, and I want to make the most of it. Representing Bermuda and competing against some of the best players in the world is a privilege, but I’m here to compete.”

Smith tees off at 9.03am from the front tees and Jones at 1.22pm from the back tees.

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