“I love supporting Australian golf,” Cameron Smith once shared in an interview, and he’s certainly staying true to that. The Aussie golfer is back on home soil, gearing up to tee off in the NSW Open, set to take place from November 14-17 at the stunning Murray Downs Golf & Country Club. His decision to compete in the event speaks volumes about his dedication to Australian golf and its loyal fan base. Plus, with Smith in the mix, the tournament gains an extra layer of prestige and, without a doubt, will draw a huge crowd.

As for his tee timings, the golfing star will be out early with Lucas Herbert and is expected to put on an impressive show from the 10th tee at 7.20 am. As Graeme Phillipson, the Chief Operating Officer at Golf NSW, put it, “Cam’s participation is a massive boost for the NSW Open. His presence will undoubtedly elevate the level of competition and create an incredible atmosphere for all attendees.” It’s hard to argue with that statement—Smith’s star power is a real crowd magnet.

For those who can’t make it to the course, don’t worry—the excitement won’t be out of reach. The event will be broadcast live on 7plus and 7two, with coverage of the second round kicking off at 12 PM AEDT on Friday. The final two rounds will air at the same time over the weekend, so fans can catch all the action from the comfort of their homes.

Smith’s commitment to Australian golf doesn’t stop at the NSW Open. He is also set to play in the Queensland PGA Championship and the Australian PGA Championship, making his mark at even more Aussie events. With his recent successes and fanbase, his presence at these tournaments is bound to bring in huge support from local crowds increasing the visibility of golf in Australia. All in all, Smith’s return to Australian golf is a big win—for the fans, the events, and the game itself.

What does the championship offer?

The Ford NSW Open isn’t just another stop on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia—this year, it’s the event that everyone’s talking about. With an impressive prize purse of $800,000, up from previous years, the competition is bound to be fierce. Apart from Smith and Herbert, golf fans can look forward to seeing 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy in action.

But it’s not just the big names who are turning heads. The field also features all four winners from the Challenger PGA Tour—Phoenix Campbell, Jack Buchanan, Elvis Smylie, and Will Bruyeres. And let’s not forget last year’s champion, David Micheluzzi, who returns as the defending Kel Nagle Cup winner after his impressive victory in March 2023. With the increased prize fund, the players are ready to put on a show, and there’s no telling how intense it will get.

As if the NSW Open weren’t already a highlight of the season, it also marks the start of a massive three-week stretch of golf, leading into the BMW Australian PGA Championship and the ISPS HANDA Australian Open. For both players and fans, this is just the beginning of a truly thrilling time in Australian golf.