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Smith ready for Tigermania at US PGA

By AAP Newswire

May 18, 2022

Cameron Smith is bracing for the roars as Tigermania adds another layer of difficulty to winning the US PGA Championship in Oklahoma.

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Smith has been thrust into a featured group behind superstars Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy for the opening two rounds at Southern Hills Country Club.

Australia's world No.4 acquitted himself well enough when sent out in the group in front of Woods for the first two days of last month's Masters, where he finished third.

Smith, though, did confess to feeling like a fan at times watching Woods at Augusta National and at least knows what to expect when following the 15-time major winner and his huge gallery.

"There can be a lot of external noise, especially with crowds and just a lot more moving parts I guess," Smith said ahead of Thursday's opening round.

"So yeah, just another thing to really think about. I wouldn't say I change anything.

"Just probably make sure I spend a little bit more time worrying about what's happening outside to make sure when you're inside, inside that shot, everything's perfect."

Smith's ability to block out the distractions and remain focused is set to be bolstered after working with his trainer and psychologist in the build-up to learn from past mistakes at this event - the only major where he is yet to register a top-20 finish.

"My game feels really good," he said.

"Had a bit of a refresh, the last two weeks. Had three weeks off so it was good to set the clubs down for probably 10 days, and then got back into it working hard.

"Had my trainer and psychologist over last week and did a lot of good work at home.

"Feels really good. I feel fresh."

Smith and Cam Davis are the first two Australians out in the opening round.

Davis tees off on the first hole at 0755 Tulsa time (2255 Thursday AEST) - five minutes before Smith starts on the 10th.

Smith expects to be nice and relaxed playing in a marquee group alongside Norway's world No.6 Viktor Hovland and American Will Zalatoris.

"Two really good guys," he said.

"I don't think I've played with Will before. Seen him around a little bit. Spoke to him a few times.

"I know 'Hovi' quite well and we always have a laugh. Shay (Knight), his caddie, is an Aussie as well. Always good having a couple more Aussies in the group."

Adam Scott is also in a big-name grouping with fellow former world No.1 and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka and 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry.

Seeking a second US PGA Championship, Jason Day plays the first two rounds with Americans Rickie Fowler and Harold Varner III.

Marc Leishman has two former US PGA champions alongside him in Germany's Martin Kaymer and American Keegan Bradley.

FIRST ROUND TEE TIMES FOR THE AUSTRALIANS AT THE US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT SOUTHERN HILLS (all times AEST, *denotes from 10th tee):

Thursday

2255: Cam Davis, Matt Kuchar (USA), Rikuya Hoshino (JPN)

2300: *Cameron Smith, Viktor Hovland (NOR), Will Zalatoris (USA)

2328: Matt Jones, Richard Bland (ENG), Garrick Higgo (RSA)

Friday

0330: Min Woo Lee, Ryan Brehm (USA), Wyatt Worthington II (USA)

0403: Adam Scott, Brooks Koepka (USA), Shane Lowry (IRE)

0420: *Marc Leishman, Martin Kaymer (GER), Keegan Bradley (USA)