MELBOURNE, Sept 19 (Askume) – Former world number two Cameron Smith will try to win his fourth Australian PGA Championship at the A$250,000 ($169,000) event at his hometown Brisbane Champions in October.
The British Open champion will become the most high-profile golfer in years to compete in the Queensland PGA Championship at Nuge Golf Club near Brisbane Airport from October 31 to November 3.
Smith will be hoping to bounce back at the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland from November 21-24 after failing to make it as defending champion and main event last year.
Smith was disappointed with his performance in front of the large crowd at his hometown event, walking out early and leaving in tears.
Smith, who won the event twice in a row in the 2017-18 season, will face defending champion Lee Min-woo and former world No. 1 Jason Day, who represented Australia at the Paris Olympics.
“Coming back to Queensland is the most important time of year for me. It’s always special to play in front of my family, friends and all the golf fans and hopefully get close to the lead,” Smith said in a media release.
“I think playing at Natchee will be good preparation for Royal Queensland and hopefully I can perform at my best to bring back the Joe Kirkwood Cup.”
The Queensland PGA Championship is Smith’s second short-term tour event in his hometown, having previously signed up for the A$800,000 (US$540,000) New South Wales Open from November 14-17.
While the local prize money pales in comparison to the $8 million Smith has won on the Saudi-backed LIV Tour this year, these events provide a vital boost for a player who has slipped to 91st in world ranking points.
LIV circuits do not earn world ranking points, which play a key role in determining participation in major events.
(USD 1 = AUD 1.4828)
