JORDAN Smith is hopeful of repeating his top 10 finish from last year’s US PGA Championship when he takes to the tee at Bellerive CC, in St. Louis, on Thursday.

Derry Hill's Smith, 25, finished tied ninth after shooting one-under across the four days at Quail Hollow on his major championship debut 12 months ago – a performance which automatically booked his space in this year’s championship.

The 2017 European Open winner endured a tough July, placing highest at the Open De France when finishing tied 21st, before disappointing Irish Open, Open Championship and European Open performances left Smith grateful to soak up a week off the course before jetting across the pond for the season's final major.

Smith said: “I would have liked to have done a lot better, and obviously there are lots more events planned for the rest of the year.

“I’m looking ahead to those now and hopefully the year can be finished off with a few good performances.

“Taking time off is massively important. To put the clubs away for a few days and just chill.

“The five weeks that have just gone have involved three Rolex (Series) events, a major and a tournament I was defending from last year.

“They were big events for me and it does take its toll after a while.”

A refreshed Smith is now targeting a repeat performance from last year’s US PGA Championship after announcing last week that he has signed with Hambric Sports.

The company specialises in the management of professional golfers and boast world number one Dustin Johnson, two-time US Open champion Brooks Koepka and Martin Laird among their clients.

With temperatures set to reach into the 30s in Missouri this week and clear blue skies forecast, Smith believes the fairways and greens will play similar to last year.

“To go and play at any major is massively exciting,” said Smith.

“Obviously I’ve got good memories from last year, it will be an awesome week. To add to that it will be nice to have my family out there with my girlfriend and a few supporters.

“It’s nice going to this event knowing that I’ve finished in the top 10 before. I can do that, or maybe even better, again this year.

“It’s that kind of confidence and good vibes that can make it an even better week.

“When I’m on tour family time is hard to pin down, it will be nice to share the week and moments with them. And for them to experience what the tour is like out in America will be nice too.

“I expect conditions to be like last year’s event. It’s going to be long and firm with quick greens.

“Hitting tee shots well will be key to success, and accurate putting is obviously always important.”