In-form Smith sets sights on PGA win

CAMERON Smith is eager to carry his hot form from Kuala Lumpur into a bold bid to land the Australian Open or the Australian PGA this summer.

The impressive Queenslander is zealous about winning one of the big events in his home country after breaking through for his maiden victory at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans in May.

Smith has confirmed his entry for the Open at The Australian (November 23-26) and the stop at Royal Pines for the PGA (November 30-December 3) on the Gold Coast.

As a bonus, he has helped hook an extra headliner in Swede Jonas Blixt, his partner in the team-format victory in New Orleans.

It will be the first time Blixt, a three-time PGA Tour winner, has played in the two big Australian events although he did play at Royal Melbourne in the 2013 World Cup of Golf.

“Growing up in Australia, it’s a big ambition and always will be to win a home Open or the PGA in Queensland,” Smith said.

“Jonas and I practice together at times in Florida and it’s great that he’s coming too.”

Smith has hit the new season in rousing form, firing eight birdies on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur to lead after the opening round of the CIMB Classic on the PGA Tour’s swing through Asia.

Smith was pipped in a three-way playoff by American Jordan Spieth in his closest challenge for the Australian Open at Royal Sydney last year.

“I’m sure there are a lot of Aussie golf fans who’d love to see him go one better at The Australian,” Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said.

Defending champion Brett Coletta is a confirmed starter for the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brisbane Golf Club from October 26.

Recent rain has helped green up the course which is playing fast and firm. Former New Zealand Open champion Jordan Zunic will use the event as a tune-up for the second stage of the European Tour Qualifying School in Spain.