Camiko Smith began competing in the John Shippen Invitational, which is a Two Day Qualifier for 1 spot in the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Playing at the Detroit Golf Club, Smith started on the 10th hole, he got off to a good start opening with Birdies on holes 11 and 12. A few bad swings lead to two Bogeys finishing the first nine holes at level par 36.
The next nine holes was a bit of a battle to say the least. It was imperative that you hit fairways and with a few not so good swings Smith made Bogeys on holes 1 and 4 which put him at 2-over par. Smith had to refocus fast, he started hitting more fairways which allowed him to have better chances to make Birdies. The next Birdie come on hole 8 his 17th hole of the round which put him at 1-over par which is where he would finish my round.
Smith said, “It wasn’t my best ball striking round by far but I managed and I’m pleased with my score. Unfortunately none of the players were able to get a practice round in due to the course being flooded, so we basically played the first tournament round blind.”
Smith continued, “I’m feeling good and tomorrow looking to tomorrow’s final round. I will need to get off the tee better and hit more fairways and sharpen up my iron shots into the greens to give myself a chance at more birdie putts.”
“With all the rain and flooding that Detroit has had there is some standing water on the course, other than the course is in great condition and I’m sure it will be in greater shape for the PGA Tour Rocket Mortgage Classic,” Smith went on to say.
Smith concluded, “Sommer Woods and Jason Langwell with their team have done an amazing job with organizing and getting this event off the ground.”
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