Defending Queensland PGA champion Phoenix Campbell credit lunch with Adam Scott earlier this month for giving him the arrogance to go back-to-back.
The 23-year-old made historical past final yr at Nudgee Golf Membership the place he turned the primary novice to win the match because it started in 1926.
The rising star has performed simply two tournaments as knowledgeable and final week completed in a tie for second within the Gamers Sequence South Australia.
With 2022 Open Championship winner Cameron Smith enjoying on this yr’s $250,000 Queensland PGA — beginning on Thursday in Nudgee — Campbell faces stiff opposition.
Within the lead-up to the Japan Open, whereas nonetheless an novice, Campbell obtained a large confidence enhance from time spent with 2013 Masters champion Scott.
“I used to be meant to play a observe spherical with him earlier than the occasion however obtained rained out so Scotty took me out for lunch and I picked his mind about turning professional, what the method appears to be like like and find out how to most myself going ahead,” Campbell stated.
“I took a number of confidence from it, figuring out he has the religion in me and is aware of I’m a superb participant. I’ve that very same perception in myself.
“I can draw off it and use what he says to my benefit. He jogged my memory that I’m right here to play golf on the finish of the day and to deliver my finest golf every week.”
The Smith issue goes to be a thorn within the facet of Campbell’s quest to defend his title, however he is not taking a look at it that means.
“I’ve to stay to my recreation. I can not have an effect on how he performs. If I deliver my recreation and play my finest I’m certain I can play my finest golf,” he stated.
“I’m tremendous excited and hoping to tee it up with (Smith) this week or within the coming weeks. I believe it’ll be nice for the occasion. There are going to be lots of people out watching him which can make it extra enjoyable to play.”
Campbell birdied the 72nd gap at Nudgee in 2023 to win with a seven iron and strain putt on the difficult par three. Now he is again as knowledgeable, and in-form as effectively after a six-under closing spherical final week.
“Enjoying for cash is unquestionably a special recreation however it’s good to be again and feels very acquainted. There are a number of good reminiscences,” he stated.
AAP
