Camiko Smith’s hopes of competing in the US Open have ended after he came up short in a local qualifier at the Connecticut Golf Club in Easton, Connecticut.

The Bermudian professional found the going tough on the way to an eight-over 80, which included five bogeys and a triple bogey at the par-3 13th hole.

“It was not the result I was hoping for,” Smith told The Royal Gazette. “I’ve been feeling good coming into the event but unfortunately things happen on the golf course. I hit the ball well but got a few unlucky breaks. I missed a few putts, had a few chances and the ball didn’t go in the hole, but it’s golf.

“I had a couple of unfortunate holes where I took a big number and you can’t do that at these events. It threw me off track a little bit and it’s a tough golf course as you can see by the scores.”

Despite missing out in his only attempt at US Open qualification this year Smith feels there are positives to take from his round.

“I hit my driver really well, which is something I have been working on since last year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship,” he said. “That’s going well and I’ve been putting well. A few things that I have been working on are going well so a lot of takes from it.

“Obviously it could’ve been better but I am pretty pleased with my game and where it is trending. My game is moving in the right direction and the score doesn’t give it justice, but the game is going well. I could have given up when I took a big number, but I just kept plugging along.”

Smith remains optimistic looking ahead to upcoming overseas tournaments this year, including British Open and European Tour qualifiers.

“I have other events that I am prepping for,” he said. “I have British Open qualifying that I have signed up for and looking forward to doing DP World Tour, European Tour qualifying and the Clutch Pro Tour, which I have become a member of in the UK.”