JORDAN Smith is adopting a “Just Do It” approach to his burgeoning pro career after securing a multi-year sponsorship deal with one of the world’s biggest sports manufacturers.

The 22-year-old can now count himself alongside the likes of Tiger Woods as a Nike athlete, with the American giant set to help finance the Derry Hill player’s first forays into the professional game, as well as kitting him out with plenty of gear branded with the famous ‘swoosh’.

Smith, who plays out of Bowood and won the Brazabon Trophy during his time as an amateur, is beginning to get to grips with the jet-setting life of a pro golfer after entering the paid game at end of last year.

Last week he was in action at Challenge Tour event the Fred Olsen Challenge de España in the Canary Islands and is currently tussling with the Wealth Design Invitational at Hawkstone Park, on the EuroPro Tour.

“My manager found out Nike were interested a few months ago and I obviously couldn’t say no,” said Smith, who is managed by MB Partners, an agency run by entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and former Formula One driver Mark Blundell.

“They’re going to help pay for my travel and things like that for the next few years, so it’s good to have that support – it’s also pretty nice to get boxes of stuff arriving.

“It is definitely hard starting out. I’m living out of a suitcase and travelling all the time but that’s just something that I’ve got to get used to.

“This year is pretty much a free year for me, so I’m just going to try and learn as much as I can.

“There are people I’ve played for England alongside who have done really well, so I’ll try to do the same thing.

“The aim is to try and get on the European Tour, and that’s something that I’ll go for over the next few years.”