GOLFER Jordan Smith is looking forward to the biggest challenge of his professional career so far as he takes to the course at Wentworth this afternoon.

Derry Hill’s Smith joins a star-studded field in Surrey at the BMW PGA Championship and enters the event full of confidence.

Teeing off at midday, the Bowood pro admits he will drink in the atmosphere on the first tee, having first experienced the West Course as a youngster following the big names, but will have no fear as he aims to become one of those stars himself.

“I’m really excited to be playing this week,” he said.

“I have been here as a junior carrying the scoreboards for players and now to be playing in it, I’m looking forward to the whole week.

“I’ve got my parents coming up and there are about 40 members from Bowood on Friday to watch as well, so it is exciting.

“I am just going into the week to enjoy the whole experience and play my best and looking to have a good week, because I have been playing well heading into this week.”

Having only missed one cut this calendar year, at the Volvo China Open last month, Smith has lifted himself from outside the top 300 in the world rankings this time last year to the cusp of the top 100 and sits smartly in 32nd spot in the Race to Dubai.

The 24-year-old cannot pinpoint why his transition from Challenge Tour winner to the European Tour has been such a faultless one but admits that confidence has played a big role.

“Last year, I had quite a consistent year, I didn’t miss too many cuts and I think I have just carried that form into this season,” he added.

“I am just growing in confidence each week that I am out here.

“When I played with Rory (McIlroy) in South Africa (at the SA Open earlier this year), that was a massive learning curve because there were so many people there and I was able to compare my game with him and know that I have got the game to compete.

“This week will be another learning curve because there will be tens of thousands of people watching but I am relishing it.”

Smith took to the course on Tuesday for a practice round and was left impressed by the changes made in the last year and believes it will make it a more enjoyable week for all involved.

“It was awesome,” he said.

“The greens are phenomenal now. The changes they have done, it looks awesome. It is in the best nick I have ever seen it and I am looking forward to getting ahead.

“It makes it a bit fairer off the tee but it is still tough.

“With the greens being a lot better, I think the players appreciate it more and just enjoy the whole week.”