Camiko Smith is feeling good about his game on the eve of the Gosling’s Invitational that gets under way at Belmont Hills Golf Club on Monday.

The 28-year-old professional has put considerable time and energy into his preparations to enhance his chances of earning a share of the $60,000 in prize money up for grabs.

“I have been hitting the ball well and have been working hard on improving my putting,” he said.

Smith is among a record field of 43 professionals that includes Bill Walsh, the defending champion.

Canadian Walsh captured a second Gosling’s title last year after coming from behind to edge Brian McCann, his compatriot, by a single shot.

“There are some pretty good players coming in, so it should make for an exciting four days of competitive golf,” Smith said. “The Gosling’s Invitational has definitely grown over the years and has attracted some really good players from different parts of the world. It has definitely come to be one of the Island’s best golf tournaments.”

Smith has gone to lengths to raise his game this year. He has been attending the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf in Orlando, Florida, since July and has made several appearances on mini tours in the United States.

Smith came close to capturing a maiden win on foreign turf at a Foretheplayersgolf.com Tour event in April, when he finished runner-up after losing a two-man play-off for the title.

The nephew of Kavin Smith, formerly Bermuda’s leading road runner, reckons the time he has spent broadening his horizons overseas has been well spent.

“I feel that my game has improved a good bit since playing abroad,” said Smith, who fired a sizzling five-under-par 65 at Belmont Hills earlier this year. “I am feeling confident with my game.”