As the 2024 golf season now slips into the rearview mirror, England’s Jordan Smith will perhaps be relieved to see it behind him, having narrowly missed out on a PGA Tour card by just one spot on the final day of the 2024 Race to Dubai season.
The Bathonian is already on a mission to elevate his 2025 season and accomplish one of the game’s most prestigious goals—earning a spot on the squad for Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup in September. A goal he is getting an early taste of this month, having been selected for Justin Rose’s GB&I squad in the Team Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort on the DP World Tour.
But while the road to the Ryder Cup is long, Smith’s journey has already been filled with unforgettable moments, especially here in the Middle East. Titles previously at Sokhna Golf Club in Egypt and the iconic Al Hamra Golf Course in Ras Al Khaimah hold a special place in Smith’s heart, with the latter marking the site of his Challenge Tour victory in 2016, when he topped the Order of Merit.
“I always love coming back to the UAE. I have such fond memories here,” says Smith. “It’s perfect for golf with its great weather, top-notch practice facilities, and plenty of courses to choose from.
“It’s just a fantastic place to be, both for work and play.”
Another venue where Smith has gained invaluable experience is the National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, site of this year’s Team Cup. A familiar layout for the 31-year-old, Smith knows exactly what it takes to perform well here.
“It’s a great course and always plays tough,” Smith explains. “Being long off the tee and hitting a lot of fairways and greens is really important.
“The people who do well here are always the best ball strikers. You need to have everything dialled in—distance, accuracy, and consistency.”
A throwback to the Walker Cup in 2013 as an amateur. Stuart Franklin / Getty Images
As an amateur, having represented GB&I at the Walker Cup in 2013 and England in the European Amateur Team Championship in 2014, Smith had to wait nearly a decade for his next taste of team golf at the Hero Cup in 2023. He now gets another bite at the cherry with a place in Captain Rose’s GB&I team at this month’s Team Cup in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s an honour to be picked for an event like the Team Cup and represent GB&I. I played in it last time and loved it. We had a great team room—lots of fun personalities, which made it easier to relax and enjoy the experience. But we also wanted to perform our best for each other.”
Team golf provides a welcome contrast to the solitary nature of professional golf. It’s no wonder he’s enjoyed his previous experiences, including the Hero Cup, where he got a taste of what it might be like to be a part of the European Ryder Cup squad.
“I loved the Hero Cup. We may not have won, but we came together as a team, and it gave me a small taste of what the Ryder Cup would be like,” says Smith.
“It really gave me the drive to want to make that team in the future. Being part of something like that would be amazing.”
The 18th hole at Bethpage Black. Gary Kellner
That desire to make the Ryder Cup team is what drives Smith forward in 2025, as he eyes a place at Bethpage Black in 2025. For Smith, making the Ryder Cup team isn’t just another goal—it’s the pinnacle of his career.
“The Ryder Cup is my only goal this year,” Smith states with purpose. “It would be the best achievement of my career, by far. To play on Luke Donald’s team would be an absolute honour.
“I watched the Ryder Cup ‘Una Famiglia’ documentary, and I had goosebumps all over me,” Smith recalls. “Seeing how much it means to the European team—it’s inspiring. You can feel the passion and the history, and it only makes me want to be a part of that much more.”
Jordan Smith. DP World Tour
While he acknowledges the challenges that come with competing in the U.S., especially with the hostile New York crowds, Smith is firm in his goal.
“It’s going to be tough—especially in America—but I’m up for the challenge,” he says. “It’s one of those environments you dream about, and if I make the team, it would be incredible.”
Jordan Smith’s journey from a young talent to being at the game’s top end, in a relatively concise span of time is nothing short of inspiring. His commitment to improving his game is always evident, along with his drive to represent in team golf.
As he prepares for the challenges that 2025 and beyond will bring, one thing is clear: Jordan Smith’s eyes are set firmly on the prize, and the Ryder Cup is the ultimate goal.
Main image: Ross Kinnaird / GettyImages
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