Camiko Smith hopes lightning strikes twice when he tees off in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship qualifier at Port Royal Golf Course next month.

The 35-year-old, who grew up right next to the par-71 Southampton layout, won last year’s 36-hole qualifying event by a comfortable five shots to secure his spot in the main event.

Smith has recently returned home from the United States, where he has been playing on the Korn Ferry Tour in pursuit of a PGA Tour card.

“It feels good to be back on home soil,” he told The Royal Gazette. “I’m feeling good and looking forward to competing against the guys.

“My main objective is to go out, post good scores and put myself in position to earn one of the four qualifying spots available”.

Michael Sims, the former Web.com Tour player, and Anthony Phipps were the remaining locals who competed in last year’s Bermuda Championship along with Smith. Neither of the qualifiers made the 36-hole cut.

The local individual strokeplay qualifying event is open to Bermudian professional and amateur players and will be held at Port Royal on October 12 and 13.

The entry deadline expires on October 4.

Tournament officials announced this month that four Bermudian golfers will be offered qualification spots to compete in this year’s Bermuda Championship at Port Royal from October 25 to 31.

This year’s Bermuda Championship has been confirmed as a stand-alone event for 2021 with prize money increased significantly from $4 million to $6.5 million.

The field size has also been expanded from 120 to 132 players.