The Mobile, Alabama native and McGill Institute graduate, Smith served as an Army Sargent in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After the war, Smith was the Captain and No. 1 player on the Badger Golf Team, leading the Badgers to two winning season in 1947 and 1948.  The Smith led Badgers had victories over Tulane, Tennessee, Southern Miss and Alabama during those two seasons. Buddy also went on to capture back to back Alabama State Amateur Golf Championships in 1947 and 1948.