Cameron Smith signs up for double Queensland swing

Cameron Smith, a former world number two, is set to participate in a A$250,000 ($169,000) tournament in his hometown of Brisbane this October, aiming to sharpen his skills for a bid at securing his fourth Australian PGA Championship title.

As the British Open champion, Smith will be the most prominent golfer to compete in the Queensland PGA Championship, scheduled from October 31 to November 3 at the Nudgee Golf Club, conveniently located near Brisbane airport.

Following this event, Smith will seek redemption at the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland from November 21 to 24, after an early exit last year as the defending champion, which left him visibly upset.

Having won the tournament consecutively in 2017 and 2018, Smith will face competition from current champion Min Woo Lee and former world number one Jason Day, both of whom represented Australia at the Paris Olympics.

In a media statement, Smith expressed, "Returning to Queensland is a highlight of my year. It is always meaningful to play in front of my family, friends, and golf enthusiasts, and I hope to be in contention."

He added, "I believe that competing at Nudgee will serve as excellent preparation for Royal Queensland, and I aim to be at my best to reclaim the Joe Kirkwood Cup."

The Queensland PGA Championship marks the second minor tour event Smith has committed to in Australia, having also entered the A$800,000 ($540,000) New South Wales Open from November 14 to 17.

Although the local prize funds are significantly lower than Smith's $8 million earnings on the Saudi-backed LIV tour this year, these events provide essential ranking points for a player who has fallen to world number 91. The LIV circuit does not award world ranking points, which are crucial for qualifying for major tournaments.