Cameron Smith, the British Open champion and previously ranked second in the world of golf, is set to participate in the Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee Golf Club.
Smith, a Queensland native, views the Queensland PGA Championship as an essential component of his readiness for the upcoming Australian PGA Championship.
The Queensland PGA Championship will be held from 31 October to 3 November, and the Australian PGA will occur from 21 to 24 November at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm.
The Queensland PGA Championship is a regional tournament, part of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, and is known for attracting both seasoned professionals and rising stars. While smaller in profile than the Australian PGA, the Queensland PGA still holds significance, especially for players like Smith, who are looking to sharpen their game ahead of more prominent events.
Smith believes that competing at Nudgee Golf Club will put him in a strong position heading into Royal Queensland, where he will face tough competition from defending champion Min Woo Lee and former world number one Jason Day. Both Lee and Day have represented Australia at the Paris Olympics, further raising the stakes for the Australian PGA.
A Return to Nudgee
For Smith, the Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee marks a return to familiar territory. He has had a long history with the tournament, having finished as runner-up in 2015 and as the leading amateur in 2011. Now a three-time Australian PGA Champion (2017, 2018, and 2022), Smith continues to show strong support for golf in Australia and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.
The decision to play at Nudgee is part of Smith’s strategy to regain top form. In a statement, Smith expressed his excitement about playing in front of his home fans again, noting that returning to Queensland is a highlight of his year.
Ranking Points and LIV Golf
Although Smith has earned substantial prize money on the LIV Golf circuit this year, the Queensland PGA Championship offers vital ranking points, which Smith needs to maintain his standing in world golf. Smith’s current ranking has dropped to 91 due to LIV Golf’s lack of world ranking points, a factor that affects his entry into major tournaments.
Smith has committed to playing in smaller Australian tournaments like the Queensland PGA and the New South Wales Open (November 14-17) to rebuild his ranking. These events offer him a chance to compete on home soil while gaining valuable points that could help his quest to enter future majors.
Boost for Local Golf
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman highlighted the impact of Smith’s participation in local events, saying that Smith’s presence is a major boost for Australian golf. He noted that Smith’s popularity, particularly among young fans, helps grow the game in the country and brings large crowds to tournaments like the Australian PGA and Queensland PGA.
Kirkman added that securing Smith’s commitment to play at Nudgee and Royal Queensland was a significant win for both events, and local fans can expect a great show from the hometown hero as he competes on familiar turf.
Published 20-Sept-2024
