SYDNEY, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Australian golfing champion Cameron Smith confirmed on Thursday that he would return to play a number of home tournaments off the back of his PGA victories earlier this year.
The 29-year-old announced that he would participate in Australia's two largest tournaments, the Australian PGA Championship in his home state of Brisbane and the Australian Open to be held in Melbourne in December.
The schedule of elite tournaments would be his first time to play on home soil since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I've had an unbelievable year and to be coming home to play tournaments is the icing on the cake," Smith said on social media.
The headlining of the rising star is likely to double-down international attention on the two tournaments.
The PGA of Australia Chief Executive Gavin Kirkman said locals were itching to see Smith play.
"An Australian who has won a major championship this year coming home to play in front of their loyal fans is one of the great stories in Australian sport," said Kirkman.
"He is trying to win this event for a third time and he will get to see Cameron at his best - relaxed, playing in front of family and friends, showing his exquisite skills and having a great time."
Currently ranked sixth in the world, according to the 2022 FedEx Cup season standings, Smith is the highest rated non-American golfer. ■