Camiko Smith, the Bermuda golfer, has set his sights on competing on a more lucrative Tour next year.

Just days after failing to clear the final qualifying hurdle for this month’s US Open Championship at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, North Carolina, the professional golfer revealed his plans to try his luck at Q-School this year in the hope of qualifying for the Web.com Tour — or better.

Smith, 28, failed to secure one of only four US Open spots up for grabs at Monday’s 36-hole Sectional Qualifier at the Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland.

He finished tied for 47th after posting identical rounds of six-over-par 78 that left him well out of contention.

Yet despite coming up short in his bid, Smith reckons there are positives to take away from the experience.

“It would have been great to have scored better,” he said. “But there are plenty of positives and the main thing is that my game is heading in the right direction.

“I have some work to do in a few areas of my game to be more consistent. But I am capable of competing at a high level.

“I am learning and improving everyday and my instructor at Grand Cypress Golf, Fred Griffin, has been impressed with the progress that I have made since working with him last July.”

Asked what were among his biggest challenges at Woodmont Country Club North Course, Smith explained: “My biggest challenge was having to make up so much ground after my first 18. Having shot 78, all I could really do was stay focused and keep grinding.

“I did not take advantage of the par five holes. That has to do with my scoring game, which I will be putting more emphasis on.”

Smith refuses to allow Monday’s disappointment discourage him from striving towards his goals in his chosen sport — such as playing on the PGA Tour in the United States, the pinnacle of world golf.

“This is a process for me and nothing is going to happen overnight,” he said. “I have set my goals high, which is how it should be, and I expect to keep improving and chasing my dream to compete at a high level on the PGA Tour.”

To prepare himself for Q-School, Smith plans to play in several tournaments in the New England area.

“I have put together a schedule of five tournaments for the next few months which will have me in the Massachusetts and Maine area,” he said. “This will prepare me for Q-School on one of the Tours which I am planning to do.”