The Australian PGA Championship is off to a thrilling start at the picturesque Royal Queensland golf course in Brisbane. Hometown heroes and international golf sensations Cameron Smith and Jason Day find themselves in hot pursuit of a surprising leader after the opening round – 22-year-old Elvis Smylie, son of former Australian tennis pro Liz Smylie.
Smith, fresh off his historic victory at the 2022 British Open in St. Andrews, and Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner making a long-awaited return to his native Australia, both carded impressive 4-under 67s on Thursday. However, their stellar performances were overshadowed by the stunning play of young Smylie, who took command of the leaderboard with a blistering 7-under 65.
Star-Studded Field Chases Surprise Leader
Smylie, hailing from nearby Gold Coast, took full advantage of his familiarity with the Royal Queensland layout. “It’s only an hour’s drive,” the 22-year-old remarked. “I’ve played a lot of golf here. I’m quite familiar with the course and every part of my game’s really good at the moment.”
Trailing Smylie by a single stroke are a quartet of international contenders – Joel Girrbach of Switzerland, France’s Victor Perez, Cristobal del Solar of Chile, and Australian Matias Sanchez – all posting impressive 6-under 66s.
Smith and Day Relish Star Grouping
Smith and Day found themselves paired with defending champion Min Woo Lee in one of the marquee groups of the day. Despite the added pressure, both relished the opportunity to compete alongside their talented compatriot.
It’s unbelievable how far that guy hits it. He seems like he’s got a lot of control. It’s always nervous to come back and try and defend, especially when you’re in the marquee group.
– Jason Day on playing alongside Min Woo Lee
Smith, however, admitted to feeling under the weather during his round. “I think Tuesday out here in the rain and then Wednesday in the rain, a couple of big weeks and stuff, I think it just got to me a little bit,” the reigning British Open champion revealed. “Just a little bit of a head cold thing.”
Notable Names in the Mix
Other notable players in contention include 2006 U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, who carded a solid 3-under 69, and Min Woo Lee, last year’s winner at Royal Queensland, who opened with a 2-under 68 and sits three strokes off the lead.
The Australian PGA Championship, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the European Tour, boasts a strong field despite the absence of many top-50 players in the world rankings. Smith and Day, ranked 48th and 31st respectively, headline the event and are poised to mount a charge for the title over the next three rounds.
Looking Ahead to the Australian Open
Many in the field will make the trip to Melbourne next week for the Australian Open, another prestigious event on the European Tour calendar. The men’s tournament will be staged concurrently with the Women’s Australian Open at the renowned Kingston Heath and Victoria golf courses in the heart of the famous Sandbelt region.
For Smith, the Australian PGA Championship marks his third consecutive start in PGA Tour of Australasia events. The world-class player is looking to bounce back from a disappointing final round 74 at last week’s New South Wales Open, where he squandered a two-shot lead to finish tied for second, three strokes behind fellow LIV Golf member Lucas Herbert.
As the tournament unfolds over the next three days, golfing enthusiasts around the globe will be closely following the action at Royal Queensland. Can Smith and Day overcome the surprising Elvis Smylie and etch their names on the Australian PGA Championship trophy? Or will a new star emerge victorious by week’s end? The stage is set for a compelling battle as Australia’s golfing elite vie for one of the most coveted titles on the PGA Tour of Australasia calendar.
