BRISBANE, Australia — The excitement is palpable as the rain-shortened Australian PGA Championship nears its thrilling conclusion. Former British Open champion Cameron Smith made waves on the course Saturday, carding a phenomenal 6-under 65 to tie for the lead going strong after the second round. Smith's impressive performance saw him birdie three of his first four holes, putting him neck-and-neck with rising star Elvis Smylie, who navigated his way to a first-round score of 67.
The weather, notoriously unpredictable, wreaked havoc on Friday, leading to the abandonment of the second round due to heavy rain. This unfortunate turn of events has condensed the prestigious tournament—a joint venture between the Australasian PGA and European Tour—into just 54 holes. Spectators can anticipate the final showdowns, planned to wrap up Sunday, as players vie for victory.
“This is my home event; this tournament’s always been really nice to me,” Smith shared after the day’s play, appreciating the support and atmosphere surrounding the competition. Smith, who boasts five wins on the international stage, has returned home just as significantly as the tournament itself. His total score of 10-under 132 puts him tied for the lead with Smylie going forward.
Elvis Smylie, only 22 years old and son of former tennis pro Liz Smylie, is having quite the event and expressed his confidence, stating, “Every part of my game is in pretty good shape.” He emphasized his strategy this weekend, focusing on avoiding damage during tricky situations. This tactical approach has positioned him as one of the leading contenders.
Marc Leishman, another noteworthy competitor and Smith’s fellow LIV Golf member, made his mark with a score of 66—just one stroke off the lead. Leishman has built quite the reputation, garnering respect within the golfing community for his performances both domestically and internationally. Soon to be spotlighted is Jason Day, making his long-awaited return to play at home for the first time in seven years. Although Day shot 69, settling four strokes behind the leaders, his presence adds to the event’s historical significance and prestige.
Another player to watch is Min Woo Lee, the 2022 champion at Royal Queensland, who secured his spot for the next rounds with a 73 score. The competition is approaching its nail-biting climax as golf enthusiasts everywhere eagerly follow along.
Lucas Herbert also demonstrated skill, finishing his round tied at 5-under following his own 66. Herbert recently claimed victory at the New South Wales Open on the Australasian Tour, which has undoubtedly fueled his love for competition. Despite his strong showing, he expressed dissatisfaction with his play, particularly over missed putts and less-than-ideal conditions on the soggy riverside course.
“It feels weird to sit here and complain about shooting 5-under, but here I am,” Herbert lamented, illustrating the high standards these athletes hold themselves to.
Fans are gearing up for the next leg of the tour, as many of today’s competitors are set to venture to Melbourne for the Australian Open next week. This event will be played concurrently with the Women’s Australian Open, showcasing talent across renowned sandbelt courses such as Kingston Heath and Victoria.
The Australian PGA Championship is not just another stop on the tour; it marks the beginning of the 2025 European Tour season and promises to deliver high-energy moments as players compete for glory before returning to global play. The fusion of local talent and international competitiveness continues to strengthen the caliber of golf on the Australian scene.
With heavy rain behind the players and only two rounds completed so far, all eyes are on the upcoming decisive moments of the tournament where skill, strategy, and perhaps even weather could determine who takes home honors. Smith, Smylie, and Leishman are poised to battle it out, with Day lurking close behind, eager to reclaim his home turf after years away.
Only time will tell who will emerge victorious as spectators settle down for what promises to be a thrilling finish.
