Cameron Smith confirms two Australian events after LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas
LIV golfer Cameron Smith has confirmed his participation in two Australian events following the conclusion of the 2024 LIV Golf Team Championship. The Saudi Circuit's third season is heading toward its end with the season-closing team championship. The tournament will take place from September 20 to 22 in Dallas, and after that, the Ripper GC captain will travel to Australia to compete on home soil.
Smith, who became the first Australian golfer to win The Open Championship at St Andrews since Kel Nagl in 1960 by winning the tournament in 2022, will compete in the 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship, a co-sanctioned tournament by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the DP World Tour. He will also compete in the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia event at the Queensland PGA Championship.
Cameron Smith will first tee off at the Queensland PGA Championship, which will take place at Nudgee Golf Club from October 31 to November 3, and then will compete in the 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club from November 21 to 24.
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman released a statement on Cameron's return to his home soil. He said (via PGA.org.au):
"We all love seeing Cam playing golf back in Australia and I’m sure he’ll be determined to put on a great show in front of his home crowd this year at both Royal Queensland and Nudgee. Cam really appeals to all ages of golf fans," Kirkman said
"He’s a big reason why so many youngsters are taking up the game and are in our galleries at Royal Queensland each year. Winning the Joe Kirkwood Cup for the fourth time would consolidate his position as one of the greats of Australian golf," he added.
Notably, Cameron Smith has won the Australian PGA Championship twice in his career, including in 2017 and 2018.
"Coming home to Queensland is a highlight of my year"- Cameron Smith on playing on home soil
Smith is highly excited to compete in Australia, and when confirming his presence for the upcoming two events, he opened up about playing in them. The former PGA Tour player acknowledged that it's "always special" for him to compete in his home country and meet his friends and family.
He said (via PGA.org.au):
"Coming home to Queensland is a highlight of my year. It’s always special to be back playing in front of my family, friends, and all the golf fans and hopefully being up near the lead. This year, I’ll be playing in both the BMW Australian PGA Championship and the Queensland PGA Championship which is going to be something different for me but I’m really looking forward to both weeks back home," Smith said.
Meanwhile, this week, Cameron Smith will tee off at the LIV Golf Team Championship. Prior to that, he competed at the Chicago event but struggled with his game and finished in 52nd place.
Smith has had a good season on LIV Golf in 2024, recording three runner-up finishes and settling in seventh place in the individual standings. On the Saudi Circuit, he also played on home soil at their Adelaide event but had a rough third round and finished in 14th place.