Camiko Smith is relishing the opportunity to compete on the biggest development tour in Europe.

The local professional golfer has joined the ranks on the Clutch Pro Tour and is excited to be able to measure his skills against formidable opposition and gain valuable experience.

“First off, I’m beyond grateful to be able to play golf and compete in different environments and experience different cultures,” Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“I have been working hard on my game and looking for opportunities to compete at a higher level. I had been eyeing up the Clutch Pro Tour for a while and it seemed like a solid stepping stone, so I took the opportunity to get involved.

“Competing on this tour is a great opportunity for me to test my game against strong competition and gain valuable experience in different conditions. It’s a great platform that helps players develop and work towards bigger events.

“I’m here to compete, learn and grow. My main focus is on improving my game and putting myself in a position to contend. Every tournament is an opportunity to grow and I’m looking forward to seeing how me and my game progresses.”

Smith also knows that he will need the ability to adapt quickly to the conditions and the competitiveness of tournaments.

“Adjusting to new conditions and competition is always a challenge, but that’s part of what makes it exciting,” he said. “I’m learning a lot and staying focused on continuous improvement and pushing myself against quality competition.

“There are always adjustments to be made but I’m enjoying the challenge.”

The 39-year-old made his Tour debut in this week’s UAE Championship at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates, where he missed the 36-hole cut by four shots.

Despite falling short of making it through to the third and final round, Smith took plenty of positives from the experience.

“There were definitely some positives, some good shots and solid stretches of play, but I know there’s still work to be done,” he said.

“The focus now is on building consistency and sharpening up in key areas. It’s all part of the process, and I’m looking forward to the next event.

“It’s my first tournament but being here has been amazing. So far it’s been a great experience, both on and off the course.”

The UAE Championship is among eight events in the Clutch Tier 1 Spring Series schedule spread across UAE, Oman, Morocco and the United Kingdom.

Smith, the inaugural Gosling’s Moongate Tour Championship winner, has also set his sights on qualifying for more PGA Tour events other than the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on home soil in the upcoming months.

“Beyond this tour, I look to be competing in US Open and British Open qualifying later this year, which I’m really looking forward to and possibly some Monday qualifiers in the US if funds allow it,” he said.

“I’ll be looking at more events that align with my development goals and provide the right opportunities to elevate my game.

“My goal is to keep competing at a high level, gain more experience and put myself in contention. In addition with me being ranked on the Official World Golf Rankings, playing well will help me move up.”