Cameron Smith will take a break from the Claret Jug’s celebration tour in Brisbane to launch his bid for a third Australian PGA Championship.
The world No. 3 will play alongside Masters champion Adam Scott and New Zealander Ryan Fox – second in the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai – in Thursday’s marquee group from 6am (AEDT) at the Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Since landing ahead of his first appearance in three years, Smith has consistently flaunted the fruits of his Open Championship labor.
Scott did the same with the green jacket after his historic success in 2013 and says that if anything, Smith’s magical year, in which he rose to world No. 2, didn’t. been sufficiently celebrated.
“It’s not often an Aussie brings the Claret Jug back to our shores and Cam’s victory should certainly be celebrated, not just for his win,” said Scott, who will reunite with caddy Steve Williams this week.
“At least from where I was it wasn’t celebrated enough that he shot 30 on the back nine (to win at St Andrews) and it might be one of the most historic back nines ever. in the history of the Open Championship.
“I hope everyone is really enjoying seeing Cam and the Claret Jug and celebrating with him.
“It was such an epic win; it’s kind of all the asterisks next to a major win you could want.”
Staring at the silverware, Smith is still shaking his head four months later.
“It still hasn’t (sunk); I still can’t believe it’s here, I can’t believe I won it,” he said.
“The whole tournament feels like a blackout; I don’t remember much from the week.”
Smith, who won a second Greg Norman medal and received the keys to the city from the Brisbane major this week, will headline a stacked field for the event sanctioned by a $2million European tour .
Jed Morgan will defend his crown after shooting 22 under to win by a record 11 shots when primarily domestically based players contested the championship in January.
Min Woo Lee, Lucas Herbert and Marc Leishman all sit just outside the world top 50 and will be chasing points to boost them inside by Christmas to earn a Masters start.
