JORDAN Smith hopes two weeks in England can help him prepare sufficiently for the conclusion of the 2018 European Tour campaign, following last week’s tied third finish at the British Masters.

The Derry Hill golfer has high hopes of securing a top 30 spot in the Race to Dubai rankings, which would enable him to compete at the The Open Championship next year.

Smith is currently positioned 40th in the order of merit, but strong performances at the three upcoming Rolex Tour events in Turkey, South Africa and the UAE can secure his desired finishing position.

The 25-year-old’s efforts at Surrey’s Walton Heath course last week granted Smith the option to sidestep this weekend’s Andalucia Valderrama Masters in Spain, freeing up two weeks for rest before the season’s outstanding three events.

Using that time to recuperate and address some of his areas to improve on will stand the former European Open winner in good stead ahead of his final three events.

The Bowood Golf Resort player said: “I’d love to get inside the top 30. A couple of good performances in the last three events will help, and I know I can do that.

“There’s lots still to play for, and it was nice to pick up tied third last week, so I didn’t have to make the trip to Spain this week.

“I felt good going into last week (at the British Masters). The previous month before the British Masters had been more of how I want to be playing and replicated some of my form from last year.

“I had a confidence boost, and playing in front of your home crowd with family and friends also there helps too.”

Smith’s season is yet to be defined after a near 12-month period of ups and downs.

A below-par start to the campaign was followed up by impressive displays at the China Open (third) and the Italian Open (eighth) before last week’s third-placed finish in Surrey.

“It would have been nice to make a fast start, but I put too much pressure on myself to do well,” said Smith.

“I wanted it too badly, and as a result I was getting frustrated with my form. But I’ve learnt and started to enjoy my game.''