Pro Golf Now
Fansided

BMW South African Open Power Rankings: Top five at Glendower

By Mike Randleman

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 10: Champion Brandon Stone of South Africa walks out for the trophy presentation after winning the BMW SA Open at Glendower Golf Club on January 10, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 10: Champion Brandon Stone of South Africa walks out for the trophy presentation after winning the BMW SA Open at Glendower Golf Club on January 10, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
SA Open
ANTALYA, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 04: Jordan Smith of England hits his second shot on the 1st hole during the third round of the Turkish Airlines Open at the Regnum Carya Golf /

Jordan Smith looked like a seasoned vet in taking on Glendower for the first time in 2017. The rookie Englishman finished solo third, just missing out on the Storm-McIlroy playoff by one.

Smith, 25, was consistent with rounds of 67-68-68-68 for a 17-under total.

His high finish proved not to be a flash in the pan.

Smith had many clamoring for him to win Rookie of the Year honors given his strong play on a European Tour-centric schedule, though dual tour star Jon Rahm prevailed.

Smith’s case for the award revolved around his win at the Porsche European Open and four other top-ten finishes.

He wound up 24th in the Race to Dubai, and finished 25th in the season’s final event, the DP World Tour Championship. That was also the last time we saw him in competition, so he comes in fairly well rested.

Driving accuracy was one of Smith’s strengths (ninth, 67.2 percent) and will serve him well to set up quality looks at a gettable course such as this.

Home/European tour