Cameron Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, is hungry for his first win of 2024 as he tees off at the Australian PGA Championship this week. Playing on his home turf at Brisbane’s Royal Queensland Golf Club, Smith is determined to break his winless streak in front of a supportive crowd.
With only a few tournaments left in the year, the major champion knows time is running out to secure a victory and maintain his streak of winning at least one tournament every year since 2020.
As a member of Royal Queensland Golf Club, Smith feels right at home on the course, and he hopes this familiarity will give him an edge. “I’d love for my first win [of 2024] to come here,” Smith said during a pre-tournament interview. “I feel a little added pressure with tournaments running out, but my game is in a really good spot.”
The Australian PGA Championship, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, marks the start of the European circuit’s global 2025 schedule.
Cameron Smith is the headline act in a star-studded field that includes defending champion Min Woo Lee and former world number one Jason Day, adding extra excitement to the event.
For Cameron Smith, this tournament is more than just an opportunity to win—it’s a chance to redeem himself. Last year, as defending champion, he suffered a disappointing early exit after a second-round score of 78, his worst performance in a decade. That bitter experience has fueled his desire to reclaim the title in front of his hometown fans.
Reflecting on his preparation, Smith noted, “I’ve done all the prep, particularly in the last month, to really be competitive. I want to be in contention on Sunday.”
Cameron Smith is no stranger to success. Since 2020, he has won at least one tournament each year across the PGA, DP World, and LIV Golf tours. However, 2024 has been a year of close calls rather than triumphs. On the LIV Golf circuit, Smith recorded three runner-up finishes and played a pivotal role in his team, Ripper GC, clinching the season-long title.
In the majors, his standout performance came at the Masters, where he tied for sixth. Yet, an individual victory has eluded him so far this year. Smith is determined to change that narrative at the Australian PGA Championship, using the momentum he built from recent local events.
RECOMMENDED:
Sharpening the Tools
To prepare for the Australian PGA, Cameron Smith returned to Australia in October to compete in state-level tournaments. His performance has been promising: a third-place finish at the Queensland PGA Championship and a runner-up finish behind Lucas Herbert at the New South Wales Open. These results indicate that Smith’s game is in excellent form, setting the stage for a strong showing in Brisbane.
“I’ve been working hard and playing well. It’s all about bringing that form into this week and making it count,” Cameron Smith added.
While Cameron Smith is the favorite, he will face stiff competition. Defending champion Min Woo Lee is looking to retain his title, while fellow Australian Lucas Herbert arrives in form after his New South Wales Open victory. Jason Day, another fan favorite, adds further star power to the event.
The championship promises an exciting clash of Australian golfing talent, with each player eager to make a strong statement as the European Tour’s new season kicks off.
Why This Tournament Matters
For Cameron Smith, winning the Australian PGA Championship would be the perfect way to end a challenging year. Beyond personal redemption, it’s an opportunity to thrill his home fans and solidify his status as one of Australia’s greatest golfers.
The event also serves as a precursor to the Australian Open in Melbourne next week and the Saudi International in December, giving Smith multiple opportunities to finish the year on a high note.
Cameron Smith has made it clear that his goal is to be in contention on Sunday, battling it out for the title. His combination of familiarity with the course, strong recent performances, and hunger for victory make him a formidable contender.
“I feel like my game is in a really good spot. I just need to stay focused and let my work over the past month show itself on the course,” Smith said.
The Stakes for 2024
While the Australian PGA is just one tournament, it represents much more for Smith. A win here would ensure he maintains his impressive streak of annual victories, restore confidence after a tough year, and set a strong tone heading into 2025.
For the fans in Brisbane, the opportunity to witness Smith potentially lifting the trophy at Royal Queensland adds an extra layer of excitement to the event. His journey, from setbacks to triumphs, resonates deeply with his supporters.
