Superstar Cameron Smith’s want for simpler pin placements on the Australian PGA “party hole” is being thought-about by event officers.
Smith not too long ago referred to as for Royal Queensland’s par-three, 125-metre seventeenth to have pin placements that can improve the probabilities of hole-in-one pictures occurring through the event, which begins on Thursday.
“I love the idea of a party hole,” the 2022 British Open champion stated.
“It’s be nice to see them put them (the pins) down in a bowl where people can have a really good chance at a hole-in-one.”
PGA of Australia chief govt officer Gavin Kirkman additionally would love followers to be handled to some “aces” on the well-liked get together gap.
“That (request from Smith) is in discussion with tour officials,” Kirkman stated.
“Feedback from all of us has been tabled … we’d love to have a hole in one.”
The get together gap may have much more of an auditorium really feel this yr.
“The grandstands are bigger, but they’ve come in closer. It’s got a really good atmosphere,” Kirkman stated.
“You’re going to be in some areas where you can nearly lean over and pick up the players’ balls.
“The players love getting in there and hearing the music and the fans, but it’s also going to be a safe party hole as well.
“We’ve built some stands there so that families can come in. It’s not just about corporates, it’s going to be so everyone can take it in.
“People can listen to the music, have a good time and have a drink, but it’s also going to be a great spectacle for our fans to sit in stands and absorb what the players deliver down that short hole.”
Smith is aiming for back-to-back Australian PGA titles after successful the occasion 12 months in the past by three pictures from West Australian Jason Scrivener and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune.
“(Royal Queensland) is definitely a place that’s close to the heart, and I do love the golf course,” Brisbane product Smith stated.
“I’ve been around it a ton, and particularly the way it played last year, being firm and fast, it was really cool to see a golf course like that.”
LIV star Smith additionally loves enjoying in entrance of Australian followers.
“The Aussie crowds, you can have a little bit more banter with, and have a bit more fun with,” he stated.
“I’m looking forward to hanging out in Brissie.”
With the occasion rising in stature annually due to it being co-sanctioned by Europe’s DP World Tour, a robust area will imply it received’t be a straightforward process for Smith to defend his title.
Apart from the likes of fellow Australians Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Min Woo Lee and Lucas Herbert eager to being eager to unseat Smith, Polish star Adrian Meronk, the winner of final yr’s Australian Open, is returning for one more tilt at conquering Royal Queensland.
The area additionally contains Ryder Cup hero Robert McIntyre, England’s Eddie Pepperell, Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello.
PGA Tour participant Jhonattan Vegas may also be at Royal Queensland, in addition to his fellow South Americans Mito Pereira and Joaquin Niemann, the Chilean pair who battle usually with Smith on the LIV tour.
Kirkman stated the occasion depth was “really good”.
“We’re very happy with where the field’s landing,” he stated.
“It’s a boost to get such depth in the field and the quality players, but then it also allows our Australasian tour players to play alongside the best of the best.
“There’s not just one or two marquee groups, there could be half a dozen. There’s a real buzz.
“We’re loving what’s happening but we want more as well.
“We’re not becoming complacent. We want more pathways out of these events, and we want to continue to grow our events.”
https://thewest.com.au/news/cameron-smith-calls-for-some-generous-pin-placements-to-increase-hole-in-one-hopes-at-pga-party-hole-c-12609427
