No mate deals in this one, say pair
THEY shared $2.72 million in prizemoney after combining to win a teams event in the US this year but Cameron Smith says he and Jonas Blixt have made no such deals for the Australian PGA Championship this week.
It was the emotional maiden professional win that left Brisbane product Smith speechless in April and began a friendship with Swede Blixt that’s grown since.
The 24-year-old Smith, who now lives in Jacksonville in the US, has returned to Queensland as a US PGA Tour winner after snaring the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Blixt in May.
They have their eyes set on the Joe Kirkwood Cup at Royal Pines on Sunday – but as individuals.
Smith has turned tour guide for Blixt, taking him around Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Despite sharing in a bounty at the Zurich Classic, Smith said he had no desire to stand at the top with Blixt this week in a tournament he considered a home event.
“Me and (Blixt) are always pretty competitive,” said Smith, who finished fourth in the Australian Open in Sydney on Sunday while the Swede finished equal second.
“I hope we have a good battle down the stretch that will be good fun but I hope I come out on top.”
Smith finished equal 10th at last year’s Australian PGA Championship, won by American Harold Varner III.
Now that he had ticked off his dream of playing in the event, he wants to win it.
“It’s always been on my bucket list (to play the Australian PGA Championship) and now I have ticked off playing it I want to win one,” Smith said.
Blixt, 33, has had varied results since their win earlier this year but returned to form in Sydney last week, finishing 10under and one shot behind winner Cameron Davis.
“It was nice. I haven’t really played that well lately and I’m getting back at it,” Blixt said.
“Getting in contention and have a chance to win a tournament was fun.”
Blixt, in his first trip to Australia, said the country reminded him of home and said that feeling lifted his performance.
“I think that makes you feel comfortable playing and obviously can help you get a good result,” he said.