Cameron Smith is among the home favorites taking on the BMW Australian PGA Championship this week, hosted by Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Smith is one of several Australians taking on the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the DP World Tour.
The 2022 Open champion is joined by compatriots Min Woo Lee and Geoff Ogilvy among others, with Race to Dubai runner-up Marco Penge also in the field.
Smith’s fellow LIV Golf star Joaquin Niemann is also playing at the BMW Australian PGA Championship, but many eyes will be on the former this week.
Cameron Smith offers blunt take on his game before the BMW Australian PGA Championship
Smith missed the cut at the PIF Saudi International last week, and has now made an admission about his game ahead of his next event.
Told how he could win a first trophy with his baby boy in attendance, he was quoted by Australian Golf Digest as saying: “Yeah that would be cool.
“I haven’t really thought about that because I’ve been playing like c–p but that would be awesome and maybe that’s a good thing to think about and get me amped up for this week.
“I’m looking forward to [the Australian PGA and Open]. I feel like the game’s in a good enough spot to compete. Obviously, Royal Queensland is a course that I love and have played well at.
“I think just being at home brings that [playfulness] back a little bit as well, and obviously having success here at RQ probably helps. I’m trying to go out there and not worry about it so much.”
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Why Cameron Smith can take confidence ahead of the BMW Australian PGA Championship
As Smith alluded to, the BMW Australian PGA Championship is followed by another exciting event in the calendar.
He’ll line out at the Australian Open, which is set to take place at Royal Melbourne Golf Club early next month.
Adding further insight into his feelings ahead of the swing, he said: “I’ve never really played with expectations, so I don’t think there’s anything that I really need to do.
“I think what I need to do is prepare well and then just forget about it to be honest. I’ve got good memories from last year [to also use as fuel].”
Smith certainly impressed last time out, finishing second to Elvis Smylie at the 2024 Australian PGA, which was shortened to 54 holes due to rain.
Another positive week where he can expect huge support should give him confidence for Melbourne, although he may just have to outcompete Rory McIlroy.
Race to Dubai champion McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam earlier this year, is also in the field for the Australian Open.