Camiko Smith’s attempt to qualify for the US Open gathered momentum in Orlando, Florida, this week.

The professional finished in a three-way tie for seventh playing in a formidable field, including Web.com Tour player Rob Oppenheim, in an 18-hole Moonlight Tour event on Wednesday.

Smith shot a one-over-par 73 at the Tom Watson designed Reunion Resort golf course.

“I felt pretty good and hit the ball well, I just did not make enough putts,” said Smith, who played alongside Oppenheim who finished second behind winner Olafur Loftsson.

Earlier this month Smith earned his biggest payday to date after finishing tied for second with compatriot, Micheal Sims, at the Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship at Turtle Hill Golf Club.

“That was definitely one of my best showings, especially with the field that was there,” Smith said. “That performance has boosted my confidence a lot.

“I have been speaking with a sports psychologist who keeps telling me that I am capable of competing with guys who have played at the highest level, and my showing at the Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship pretty much solidifies that.”

Smith, 28, is based in Orlando where he continues to work on his craft at the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf.

“Since I have been in Orlando I have been practising a lot everyday,” Smith said. “I think my game is headed in the right direction, and I have seen a lot of improvement personally, especially with my showing at the Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship.

“At the moment I am working on my short game in preparation for a few events I will be playing in around the Boston area, which will be a good tune up for the US Open qualifier. It will be a good tune up to keep focused and my game sharp.”

Smith will launch his bid for US Open qualification at next month’s local qualifier at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The nephew of former top road runner, Kavin Smith, came up short in his bid for US Open qualification at the same venue last May.

But he remains optimistic about his chances of achieving his objective this time around.

“It is a big task, but I just have to keep grinding at it, stay confident and hopefully everything falls in place at that time,” he said. “I am just going to keep chipping away at it and not give up.”

This year’s US Open will be held at the historic Pinehurst in North Carolina.

“I played at Pinehurst in a junior event years ago and actually loved it,” Smith said. “It is actually one of my favourite places to visit, so qualifying for the US Open would be pretty awesome.”

Another local professional, Terence Daniels, will try his luck at US Open qualification when he tees off at next month’s local qualifier at Southern Dunes Golf Club in Arizona.