Smith hungry for PGA crack at ‘idol’ Scott

CAMERON Smith’s dream script for his three-peat quest at the Australian PGA tournament is to go head-to-head against childhood idol Adam Scott in Sunday’s final pairing at Royal Pines.

Tournament organisers and holiday crowds for the “Christmas PGA” are salivating at just that prospect because super Sunday duels have created folklore on the Gold Coast.

When Scott won his 2013 PGA trophy, his 67 in a Sunday shootout against American playing partner Rickie Fowler (68) was riveting viewing for the biggest galleries seen at the course.

Likewise, Smith relished his winning duel against close mate Marc Leishman a year ago when he came from two shots behind to win by the same margin when they were paired.

“I’ve never really gone dingdong with Scotty for a big trophy and it would be awesome to do so with my idol when I was growing up,” Smith said.

“I remember how much fun it was with a good mate like Leish in the final pairing a year ago and it would be the same with Scotty.”

Not even Greg Norman in his pomp won three Australian PGAs in a row, which is what Smith is bidding to do to become the first golfer to achieve the feat since Dan Soutar swung with hickory shafts to win in 1905-06-07. Smith is just hungry for more top Australian

titles, filling the Joe Kirkwood Cup to the brim with XXXX Gold again, and enjoying the home state support.

“I don’t think I’m particularly suited to the course, but this is probably my favourite week of the year with the relaxed feel and family and friends around,” he said.

The co-promotion for both the PGA and the venue for Friday night’s Big Bash game has worked some instant magic because Smith will wind down from his second round as part of the crowd for that Brisbane Heat-Melbourne Stars game.

Scott ($6.50) is the tournament favourite over Smith ($7) with Ladbrokes, but Scrivener ($13) is the Aussie golfer worldwide with the most striking recent form line.