Jordan Smith believes he is “very close” to landing his third DP World Tour title as he bids to build on his run of strong form at the Austrian Alpine Open presented by SalzburgerLand.
The Englishman arrives in Austria as the in-form player with three top tens in his last three starts, including at the opening two events of the ongoing European Swing, to rise to 14th in the Race to Dubai Rankings.
Smith also topped U.S. Open Final Qualifying at Walton Heath to ensure he will make his first Major Championship start of the season at Oakmont Country Club next month.
One of the DP World Tour's most consistent performers over many years, it is said by some that he should have more than his two wins on golf's Global Tour.
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“Everything has just got slightly better,” said Smith of what has helped enable his recent strong results.
“I work hard at it with all my coaches, just trying to find the couple of percent hear and there. I feel like the game is in a really good place.
“My putting has come along lovely, so I’m feeling good.”
Smith won his second DP World Tour title at the Portugal Masters in 2022, five years after his maiden title came at the Porsche European Open, and this week provides him with another chance to add to his tally.
Asked how close he is to doing so, the World Number 105 added: “Very close. The last few weeks out here, I’ve been very close.
“Maybe just one or two shots here or there which is the difference between winning and not winning.
“I just need it all to click on the right week and it will happen.”
Austria’s national Open is returning to the schedule this week for the first time since 2021, but Smith has not played in the event since 2016.
Back then it was held at Diamond Country Club, with this year’s 23rd edition being held at Gut Altentann Golf Club – host venue of the first three editions from 1990 to 1992.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been back to Austria,” said Smith.
“We get the lovely views of the lakes and mountains, so it’s going to be a good week.
“I only played the front nine yesterday so I’m playing the back nine in the Pro-Am (on Wednesday).
“Holes seven, eight and nine are a lovely stretch, and then I’ve heard the last five holes or so are really good so I’m looking forward to getting out there, seeing them, and playing them in the week.”
