Smith makes dreams come true
Cameron Smith receivers 2019 Tyler Duncan and Elvis Smylie
Cam Smith's overwhelming generosity and spirit have given two aspiring golfers in Queensland an experience that they will cherish forever.
The powerful General Manager of Golf Australia, Brad James, said that Elvis Smylie and Tyler Duncan were still buzzing after spending time in Smith in Florida recently, even though Hurricane Dorian was dangerously close.
"The young boys were thrilled to have the chance to get close to a star of the PGA Tour and see exactly how he prepares and trains," James said.
"But to be honest, everyone around the Australian Gulf is just as happy that Cam is so incredibly generous with his time and money to make this what would otherwise be pipedreams into a great learning reality.
"Thanks Cam – it's things like this, no different from what Karrie Webb does with our young women, that will keep Australian golf strong in the next generation."
Following are notes that the Duncan and Smylie have written down thanks to their host, but also to explain some of the activities they could experience as part of their Cameron Smith Scholarship …
TYLER DUNCAN
"Despite the interesting weather, staying and learning with Cam was a one-time experience.
"We started fleeing Hurricane Dorian to Tampa, where we practiced and played at The Concession Golf Club, which was very demanding and challenging.
"After we arrived back in Jacksonville a day later with most of the courses still closed, we explored the city areas and the food on offer.
“After a few days of constant rain and wind, we were finally able to switch to the renowned TPC Sawgrass … which is just a WOW!
“The practice facilities themselves are immaculate, which surprises me and Elvis. Playing the course, on the other hand, is a completely different experience.
“The first three holes were spent trying to realize that we were playing Sawgrass. As the round progressed, the job became more fun
"The next two days of playing and practicing were just surreal and the experience was like no other.
"This is definitely something that I will take away a lot from not only skills, but also what it is like and what it takes to be a tour pro.
"I can't thank Cam enough that he experienced something like that."
ELVIS SMYLIE
"When I was told that I was one of the recipients of the Cameron Smith Scholarship, I was so excited.
"Spending the week at Cam's house in Florida was so great. I never thought I'd have the chance to train with one of & # 39; the world's best golfers.
"The week was everything I had hoped for and more … the facilities at the courses were world class and it was a great opportunity for me to understand what it takes to take my game to the next level.
"Before we flew to Florida, Tony (Meyer, Queensland and NT High Performance Manager of Golf Australia), Tyler and I knew there would be a hurricane that would hit Jacksonville just when we got there.
“We had a mandatory evacuation for most of the week, which meant that all golf courses were closed. For our safety, we have decided to drive to Tampa, about four hours southwest of Ponte Vedra to play The Concession. There is a lot of history about this club … think of Royal Birkdale during the Ryder Cup in 1969 and the famous match between Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin!
“When we came back to Jacksonville later in the week, we played TPC a few times … what a great job that is, especially when you go to birdie 17!
"It's clear that every golfer has a dream to play on the PGA Tour and I'm no different, so getting this chance from Cam was a one-time experience.
“It was the best thing I learned this week to play Cam multiple rounds and see how he gets around the golf course … I know I can apply this to my own game.
“Thanks again Cam for your generosity when giving back to golf in Australia!
"It was such an honor for me to receive your scholarship!"
