The locals turned out in droves, vivid and early, at Royal Queensland to see Australian main champions Cameron Smith and Jason Day together with defending Australian PGA champion Min Woo Lee placed on a present to start out the Australian PGA Championship.
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The 6.10am tee time Brisbane time appeared to not hassle crowd regardless of Smith – who’s coping with a head chilly – not being thrilled about setting a 3am alarm to organize to rectify for his poor exhibiting in entrance of his adoring dwelling followers final yr when he missed the minimize.
The 2022 Open champion struggled to seek out his groove early as he reached the flip at even par, leaving it to Lee to dazzle the group early doorways.
The 26-year-old raced out of the blocks with 5 birdies in his first 11 holes which prompted Smith to quip that “he should have obtained up at 2” because the absence of daylight financial savings in Queensland makes for her early begins within the opening two rounds.
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Lee rapidly fell away nevertheless, slipping again to -3 by the spherical’s finish, because the second 9 – which was the entrance 9 as they teed off the tenth – was all concerning the skilled campaigners.
A lot to the delight of the group, Brisbane natives Smith and Day surged to -4 to take a seat two pictures again of clubhouse chief Elvis Smylie.
Smith was tongue in cheek when requested what modified for him after the flip, saying that “I began making an attempt”, whereas Day hinted that it was studying curve for Lee as the 2 members of the group who’ve confirmed themselves on golf’s largest phases took cost.
“He clearly obtained off to an incredible begin. Performed some phenomenal golf getting out of the gates,” Day stated.
“I feel the common rating goes to be 20-under that wins. You’ve obtained to know that it will be a little bit of a marathon.”
The older duo actually performed the lengthy sport as they steadily labored their manner up the leaderboard.
Former would primary Day was the regular hand of the group with a bogey free spherical, whereas Smith was a bit extra chaotic with six birdies and two bogeys in addition to some spectacular wedge pictures.
The 2 Queenslanders going shot for shot is a sight Australian golf followers have been starved of with Day not having performed on dwelling soil for the reason that 2017 Australian Open.
It occurs typically on the majors, with the Australians protecting a practice of taking part in observe rounds collectively at The Masters, specifically, however it’s fully totally different in event play.
Talking on Wednesday, Day was not sure what kind of reception he would obtain upon his return however he was greeted with love and numerous applause.
Though, it was clear when the group had been introduced on the tenth tee – their first gap of the day – that Smith remains to be prime canine among the many native followers with their mullet sporting hero receiving the loudest cheers.
“It’s been some time since I’ve been right here so I used to be not too positive how issues would unfold, nevertheless it’s been nice,” Day stated post-round.
“The crowds had been superb. I’m seeing numerous junior golfers. It’s enjoyable. It’s solely going to get greater and higher as this event progresses.
“Clearly ‘Cammy’ is an enormous draw (card) right here. It’s good to get out and watch Min. It’s unbelievable how far he hits the ball. He appears to have numerous management however had a few dangerous breaks and a few dangerous swings on the market.
“But it surely’s at all times nervous to return again and defend, particularly if you’re within the marquee group.”
Recognizing these budding golfers within the crowd took each Day and Smith’s minds again to their junior days.
Submit-round, Smith recalled that the primary time he got here throughout Day – who’s six years his senior – was when he was “12 or 13” and so they performed within the Queensland Junior at Indooroopilly Golf Membership.
“He would have received that week or come shut. He was a gun. He was one I appeared as much as,” Smith recalled.
“Notably round that age if you spend numerous time in numerous competitions.”
The circumstances had been in stark distinction from their junior days nevertheless.
Brisbane has been deluged by rain to this point this week, however fortunately it stayed dry on Thursday morning though the moist spots on the course have led to the sphere taking part in most well-liked lies within the opening two rounds.
Most of the bunkers needed to be drained in a single day earlier than the primary spherical, whereas spectators trawled via many damp and muddy spots
“We had been most likely each hoping for various circumstances with the golf course contemplating the climate,” Smith stated.
“I’m positive ‘Jase’ was trying ahead to getting again to agency and quick Australia and it’s fairly the alternative on the market.”
Regardless, it was a particular second for Australian golf having the star group kick off the primary of the nation’s two outstanding tournaments for the summer season.
There will likely be extra particular moments to return with Smith, Day and Lee grouped collectively once more on Friday afternoon for the second spherical, whereas fellow Australian Marc Leishman can be at -4 which may result in some intriguing all-Australian groupings throughout the weekend.
Day specifically is worked up by that potential.
“It’s at all times enjoyable to be in competition, regardless who it’s but when it’s two Brissy boys, that’d be good too,” he stated.