Smith confirmed for 2019 #AusPGA

Cameron Smith hopes to make history by becoming the first person in over 100 years to win three consecutive Australian PGA championship titles.

Smith has announced that he will return to RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast to defend his crown during the December 19-22 tournament.

The 26-year-old says he is excited to return to his home state to compete against a world-class field, including former world no. Adam Scott, at one of the country's most prestigious sporting events.

"I can't wait to return to the Gold Coast and play for a home crowd to win three Australian PGA championships in a row. It would be the perfect way to end my year," said Smith.

The passionate Queenslander, who marches on the last day of every tournament, tries to become the first player since Aussie golf pioneer Dan Soutar to win the Joe Kirkwood Cup – Australia's oldest professional golf trophy – three times in a row.

Soutar born in Scotland won the inaugural Australian PGA championship in 1905 and then claimed the titles of 1906 and 1907.

"I want to end the year at a peak by equalizing the performance of one of the game's legends," he said.

"But it will certainly not be easy. Every year the PGA Champs show the incredibly talented golf golfers of our country, all of whom will be desperate to etch their names in the Joe Kirkwood Cup."

PGA from Gavin Kirkman, the president of Australia, expects the tens of thousands who are present this year at the Australian PGA championship to follow Smith's pursuit of history.

"We are very happy that Cameron has decided to return to our event. He is a favorite with fans who will have many supporters who encourage him to become a triple winner of the Australian PGA Championship, "said Mr. Kirkman.

"Cam is trying to do what some of the industry's fixtures such as Greg Norman, Kel Nagle and Robert Allenby could not do.

"A third consecutive win at RACV Royal Pines Resort, one of the best golf courses in Queensland, would bring him in thin company."

The Australian PGA Championship is a one-week golf festival, with many action-packed, family-friendly activities to entertain fans outside the ropes.

The famous Gold Coast beaches are being brought back to the greens, with the Oakley Gold Coast Beach Club at the center of the lucrative 16th hole, home of the Soniq Million Dollar Hole (SMDH).

The SMDH is moving to Saturday this year where a group of lucky fans will have the chance to try their luck at hitting a hole-in-one at the par-3 hole to win $ 1 million.

The new version of the SMDH will lift the gap to a new level, with amateur golfers integrated into the field for their shot of their lives.

Queensland's tourism minister, Kate Jones, said that prominent players, combined with activities such as the Beach Club, make the Australian PGA Championship unique.

"The Gold Coast is a world-class event host and golf enthusiasts can combine watching some of & # 39; the world's best golfers while immersing themselves in the relaxed lifestyle of the Gold Coast," said Secretary Jones.

"The Australian PGA is a highlight in the state of It & # 39; s Live! In the Queensland event calendar, which supports events that generate $ 800 million in economic activity throughout the state."

Players will compete for AU $ 1.5 million in prize money, and while the Australian PGA championship continues to co-sanction with the European Tour, players have the opportunity to earn valuable world ranking points in the 2019/2020 season.

Channel 7 is the exclusive broadcasting partner of the Australian PGA Championship, with the broadcast set to over 100 million viewers around the world.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP:

The Australian PGA Championship is one of the flagship events of the PGA of Australia, co-approved by the European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

The tournament role consists of an incredible list of past champions, including Cameron Smith (2017-18), Harold Varner III (2016) Adam Scott (2013) Greg Chalmers (2011, 2014), Peter Senior (2010) and Geoff Ogilvy ( 2008).

There is so much to enjoy outside the world class action on the track. From the popular party tents along the 16th hole to the family-friendly golf activities around the resort, the PGA Champs keep all spectators busy.

Children and beginning golfers can participate in the MyGolf Kids Carnival and meet their heroes; participate in guided tours behind the scenes; and even wave at the clubs on MyGolf bays.

In addition, fans can enjoy a range of gourmet food trucks along the track, as well as roaming entertainment.

The Australian PGA championship is set to play #DoingItForJarrod during round two, with the tournament set to turn yellow in memory of Jarrod Lyle. Yellow Day encourages fans and professionals to wear a dash of yellow on Friday, December 20 in support of Jarrod & # 39; s Gift, which collects money to support children and their families with cancer.

The week of the Australian PGA Championship also includes the Greg Norman Medal, the highest individual honor for our professional golf players for men and women.

General admission to the Australian PGA Championship is $ 25. Children (16 years and younger) receive free entry with a paying adult.