Camiko Smith overcame a slow start to produce his best showing at the Gosling’s Invitational at Belmont Hills this week.

The Bermuda professional rebounded from an opening day three-over-par 73 to top the local professional field and finish an impressive seventh overall.

Smith regained his composure with a two under-par 68 in the second round, and went one better the next day, posting his lowest round of the week as he remained on course for a top ten spot.

In a strong field, he then closed out with a level-par round to finish well clear of compatriots Dwayne Pearman and Terence Daniels, who finished tied for eleventh at two-over.

“Despite getting off to a slow start I was able to climb my way back on days two and three, which put me in a good position going into day four,” Smith said.

Among the notables that Smith finished ahead of were Joe Horowitz, Kent Fukushima and Pearman, all past winners of the tournament.

Smith’s decision to rely on irons over woods and drivers ultimately reaped dividends, especially in the stronger breezes that greeted the field during the final round.

“Favouring irons over woods and drivers seemed to really pay off,” he said. “I managed to avoid any heavy losses”

Smith is one of Bermuda’s most promising prospects, and earlier this year he gave a reminder of his potential by making it through to sectional qualifying for the US Open for the second straight year.

“Camiko has been working hard at it and it is starting to pay off a bit for him,” said Pearman, the last local to win the Gosling’s Invitational. “He has a lot of potential, and I think he can go a long way if he sticks to it.

“He just has to keep working hard and play in as many tournaments as possible. You have to put yourself out there, because that’s how you get better and prove what you can do.”