Camiko Smith will be looking to hit the ground running in the opening round of the Jamaica Open in Montego Bay today.

The Bermudian is among the field competing for a share of the $100,000 in prize money at the 54-hole tournament at the par-72 Robert Trent Jones Sr designed Half Moon Golf Club.

Smith arrived in the Caribbean high on confidence after producing a top-five finish at the Gosling’s Invitational at Port Royal Golf Course and Belmont Hills Golf Club and is now looking to build upon that display.

“I’m feeling good both physically and mentally,” said Smith, who was the highest local finisher and shot a second round seven-under 64 that equalled Masters winner Adam Scott’s course record at Port Royal Golf Course.

“I think it’s obvious that my expectations are high. But I just need to stay focused, play smart, be patient and have fun out there.”

Smith is competing among a formidable field. “There are notable players like PGA Tour player Olin Brown and others who have played on the PGA Tour, the WEeb.com Tour and PGA Latin America Tour,” he said.

Smith took advantage of the practice round yesterday to get a feel for the conditions.

“The course is a bit soft and it’s windy, which will play a factor this week,” he said. “The overall course is in decent condition considering that the area had some flooding a few weeks ago.” There is an added incentive for the field as the top three finishers will qualify for the inaugural $175,000 Jamaica Classic at Cinnamon Hill in Montego Bay in April.