Cameron Smith has put profitable a maiden Australian Open on the high of his precedence listing after confirming he’ll return dwelling on the finish of the yr for one more crack at doing the native double.
Smith, who has gained twice on the LIV tour this yr and was the principle man as 1000’s lined fairways on the occasion in Adelaide in April, will defend his Australian PGA title in his native Queensland earlier than chasing his first Australian Open in Sydney.
The foremost champion struggled to again up his PGA win after shifting to Victoria Golf Membership for the Australian Open final yr because the post-victory celebrations caught up with him and he by no means contended.
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However with three Australian PGA titles already on his resume, Smith is out to keep away from a repeat of final yr’s weekend fade-out and seize the Stonehaven Cup.
“I‘ve been lucky to have a couple of PGAs, haven’t fairly acquired the Open but in order that’s one thing that I would like and I’ll be working laborious to get it performed,” Smith mentioned of his quest.
Golf Australia chief govt James Sutherland mentioned Smith’s pursuit of the Australian Open can be “one of many highlights of the summer time of sport”.
Smith’s greatest end in an Australian Open was when he misplaced a playoff to Jordan Spieth in 2016.
“Cam Smith is among the greatest drawcards in world golf and I’m certain Australian golf followers are as delighted as we’re that we’ll see him at each the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship this yr,” he mentioned.
The PGA will probably be performed at Royal Queensland in Brisbane, whereas the Australian Open will once more be a combined occasion performed at each The Australian Golf Membership and The Lakes in Sydney.
“Cam will probably be attempting to hitch an elite group of golfers by profitable the Kirkwood Cup for a fourth time this November and I’m certain he’ll be able to placed on an amazing present as soon as once more at Royal Queensland,” PGA of Australia chief govt Gavin Kirkman mentioned.
“Cam continues to help his dwelling tour every year and the followers simply need to see him reside and in motion showcasing his sport whereas inspiring our subsequent technology of gamers, women and boys, to achieve their peak.
“With Cam locked in for each fields, the Australian PGA and Australian Open will probably be must-see occasions.”
Smith’s LIV teammates Marc Leishman, Matt Jones and 2021 PGA winner Jed Morgan additionally performed in each occasions final yr.
Rising star Min Woo Lee has dedicated to play and Adam Scott is prone to comply with with resurgent Jason Day just lately declaring he was additionally concerned with a return dwelling for the primary time because the 2017 Open.