Cameron Smith makes a strong start at the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane with a 2-under 69 opening round alongside fellow Australians Min Woo Lee and Adam Scott who both shot impressive 68s.
Watch the highlights from Day 1 at Royal Queensland Golf Club as the big guns fire in the $2.5 million tournament. Smith, a three-time champion and former world number two, shows improved form with his short game after waking at 2:45am for his early tee time.
Key moments from the opening round:
– Min Woo Lee’s approach shot hits the pin on 18
– Cameron Smith drains a 10-meter birdie putt
– Adam Scott birdies first and 18th holes
– Kazuma Kobori aces the par-3 17th party hole from 118 meters
– Ryan Fox, Wenyi Ding, Tapio Pulkkanen and Anthony Quayle share early lead at 4-under
Defending champion Elvis Smylie also features alongside afternoon groups including LIV Golf stars Marc Leishman, Abraham Ancer and Joaquin Niemann.
Cameron Smith discusses his intensive chipping and putting practice since returning to Brisbane, making 10 one-putts in his opening round. Adam Scott chases his first 72-hole win since February 2020 at his boyhood club.
Stay tuned for more coverage from the Australian PGA Championship as the tournament unfolds through the weekend.
Minn Wu Lee, Adam Scott, and Cameron Smith are in the running after the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane. Cameron Smith, a three-time champion and former world number two, started his day at 2:45 a.m. Carding at 2 under 69. Ryan Fox, Winnie Ding, Topio Pulcan, and Anthony Quail shared the early lead at 4under, while Adam Scott and Minnit Wui both scored 68. Lee’s approach on the final hole hit the pin, but he had to settle for par after Smith’s 10-meter birdie putt. Scott, a former world number one and two-time winner of the event, birded the first and 18th holes in a steady round. Fox, returning after 2 months, found his rhythm quickly, and Elvis Smiley, playing in his group, managed the humid conditions. New Zealand’s Kazuma Kurobi aced the par 317th hole, showcasing his skills. Smith’s putting and chipping were exceptional in 2022, but he’s been struggling since missing all major cuts this year. On Thursday, he made 10 one putts and 26 in total, attributing his performance to his hard work. Lee, who won in 2023, acknowledged the challenge, while Scott emphasized the importance of a steady approach. LIIV trio Mark Lman, Abraham Anser, Wim Neman, and Cam Davis are among those in the afternoon groups, adding to the excitement.
