The Australian has had a blistering start to the 2023 season on the Asian Tour, recording three top 10 finishes at the Saudi International, International Series Qatar and most recently at the World City Championship in Hong Kong.
The 28-year-old stated that: “If there was one word to describe the start of the season so far it would be fight, I feel like I fought really well.”
His third-place finish at the World City Championship has earned him the opportunity of his first ever major appearance at The Open in July but speaking of his LIV Golf experience Smyth said: “It might be controversial, but I feel like I’ve played three majors already with the three LIV events that I have already played.”
Smyth recorded his first Asian Tour win in Taiwan last year at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship and admits that he is fueling his confidence tournament-by-tournament.
“I’ve knocked off a number of top 10s on the Asian Tour now and I’ve had a win last year, so I am starting to get really comfortable at this level of competition.
“It has been really good for my confidence to play well in Saudi against all the LIV players and even at all the International Series events now we’re getting a handful of LIV players competing every time. When you start to beat those guys, you do get a little chip of confidence!”
The International Series Vietnam will be held at the Greg Norman-designed KN Golf Links, situated on the south-central coast in Cam Rahn and is set to be the most extensive and most lucrative golf tournament ever staged in Vietnam. Smyth shared his excitement for the week ahead, and said: “I can’t wait, I looked at the photos online and I’ve spoken to a couple of the guys who have played there, and they said it’s amazing so I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve heard it’s really good, Vietnam has blown up in terms of resort golf and they’re definitely trying to push it.”
The Sydney native is enjoying the opportunities that the International Series provides, allowing him to develop as a player and playing in different parts of the world with many having similarities to his home city in Australia.
“It’s been amazing! I am loving that aspect getting out to other parts of Asia and other parts of the world and learning and competing to play in all different types of conditions, it can only improve us as players if you look at it the right way.
“When you turn up to those countries and it’s harsh weather these are climates and conditions that I am used to coming from Sydney because we kind of get all four seasons in a day almost.”
The US$2 million event will begin Thursday which marks the first staging of the International Series Vietnam and will be the fourth event on The International Series this season and the eighth stop on the Asian Tour.
The full list of tournament entries for the International Series Vietnam can be found here.
More information about the International Series Vietnam can be found by visiting: Asian Tour | Professional Golf Tour in Asia
