The ache of lacking the minimize in final yr’s Australian PGA is driving Cameron Smith to make amends when he tees off within the Queensland PGA this week at Nudgee Golf Membership.
The 2022 Open Championship winner was choking again tears after his fade-out at Royal Queensland in 2023 in a event he has received 3 times.
A lesson was discovered and Smith will play at Nudgee this week earlier than contesting the NSW Open, the PGA and the Australian Open.
“I used to be undoubtedly upset with how I performed final yr and I believe that may be a huge cause I’m taking part in this occasion,” Smith mentioned earlier than teeing off in Wednesday’s pro-am.
“I did not have the very best prep going into final yr. I in all probability had two months off earlier than I obtained down right here and never a lot follow in between.
“It was an actual eye-opener to know what must be executed to prep for these occasions, and particularly the Aussie ones which have been so good to me.
“I might wish to assume I’ve a fairly good report, and to do one thing like (miss the minimize) was fairly painful. I do not wish to let that occur once more.”
The 31-year-old is but to win an Australian Open and has his sights set on rectifying that on the finish of November in Melbourne.
Supporting the native tour is excessive on Smith’s agenda after virtually two months off.
“If I wasn’t taking part in this week I might in all probability be sitting on my bum at house doing nothing … so I simply thought it was a great alternative to assist out the Aussie tour and maintain the aggressive reps going earlier than a few huge ones on the finish of the yr,” he mentioned.
“The entire Aussie guys getting back from worldwide excursions wish to win a few huge ones on the finish of the yr.
“I’ve managed to play fairly properly in quite a lot of them and win a couple of as properly. I believe the largest one for me is making an attempt to get that Aussie Open, one thing that I have never been in a position to do but.”
Smith will tee off at Nudgee Golf Membership at 6:45am AEST on Thursday and the exterior expectation is that he’ll win the $250,000 Queensland PGA. That’s not the best way he’s wanting on the week forward.
“I might say I’ve obtained essentially the most stress on me of everybody,” he mentioned.
“Lots of people predict me to come back down right here and simply win, however I do not assume that is the case.
“I’ve performed with quite a lot of these guys rising up and they’re actually gifted golfers, so it will take a few of my finest stuff this week to get the job executed.”
AAP
