Smith Consistent and Competitive
Riverside Calif. native Nicole Smith was the epitome of consistency on last year’s Epson Tour. Combine her consistency with her competitive drive and look for her to make an instant impact on this year’s LPGA Tour.
A member of the Epson Tour since 2010, Smith’s previous best year on tour came in 2011 when she posted a runner-up finish at the Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic and ended the year 32nd on the money list.
Last year, Smith was the only player inside the Volvik Race for the Card top-10 to make every cut. She and Esther Choe, were also the only two players on tour to hold a spot in the top-10 for 15 out of the 16 weeks this season.
Smith entered the Race for the Card after a T2 finish at the season-opening Florida’s Natural Charity Classic and held a spot in the Race until Week 7, when she fell out of the Race after a tied for 54th finish at the Island Resort Championship. She then reentered the Race and never left following her third place finish at the Northeast Delta Dental International.
Last season, the third-year Epson Tour member led the Epson Tour in greens in regulation and birdies, finished second in driving distance and ninth in scoring average.
While Smith has blinders on when competing, her demeanor off the golf course is quite the opposite. Once outside the ropes, the LPGA’s slogan “See Why It’s Different Out Here” kicks into full gear as Smith is always willing to sign autographs or take a photo with an adoring fan.
When the 25-year-old is not devoting countless hours on the golf course, she enjoys staying active by biking and competing in triathlons. Smith has already competed in a Sprint Triathlon in California and after a successful season this year, she plans on purchasing her dream bicycle and competing in many more.
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