BOWOOD professional Simon Shanks has been rewarded for his work helping Jordan Smith break into the world’s top 100 by being named the PGA West Region coach of the year for the second time, writes PETER GODSIFF.

Wiltshire PGA secretary Shanks first became PGA South West coach of the year in 2013 and has shaped Smith’s climb up the amateur and professional ladder.

Smith, 24, is in his first full season on the European Tour and already has two top-10 finishes to his name in the top flight.

Warminster’s Shanks, 36, became his coach 10 years ago and said: “Jordan is a Derry Hill lad and lives next to the club. When he was 14 I started on improving his short game but he was getting advice from several quarters. I had a chat with him and his dad Martin suggesting that he would benefit by having one voice as coach and left it to them to decide.”

After winning major amateur events and becoming an international and Walker Cup player, Smith turned professional and has won four times, topping the 2015 EuroPro Tour order of merit in his first season before adding the Challenge Tour Road To Oman.

Shanks, who played amateur golf at West Wilts and spent five years as assistant at Kingsdown before moving to Bowood 10 years ago, added: “I soon realised I was never going to be the next Nick Faldo so the next best thing was to become a coach. It’s fantastic now I am able to meet top coaches like Pete Cowan at Tour events.”

He maintains regular contact with Smith who also works with strength and conditioning expert Rob Hobkinson from Leeds.

“A lot of guys change things when they get on Tour but we have remained on a steady keel and have not had too many blips so far,” added Shanks.

“It has been a great journey. He (Smith) is a quiet lad and feels really comfortable. He is not overawed by anything and takes it all in his stride. I always felt he could make it.

“It’s now up to him. His plan is just to play the next hole well. It’s like the elephant in the room if you look too far ahead. His aim was to keep his card and happily he is well on the way to that. A top 60 ranking and qualification to the Race to Dubai would be great.”

n THE county golf season got under way on Sunday with a match between Wiltshire’s men’s first team and the county junior team at Cumberall Park, near Bradford on Avon which ended in a draw, the trophy being shared by men’s captain Ali James and county junior orgnaiser Ian Welding.