Golfer tees up at pga | Golf

Cameron Leslie | 2nd December 2008

Toowoomba’s Justin Smith will line up at this week’s Australian PGA at Coolum.

TOOWOOMBA'S Justin Smith believes he has learnt a lot about golf since stepping out for last year's Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.

Smith will line up for this year's $1.5 million event, starting tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, after a four-under score ensured he finished as the leading qualifier for the PGA on Monday.

While he failed to make the cut in his first PGA last summer, Smith believes that experience and a season on the Canadian Tour have taught him a lot about the game.

“Last year was the most fun I've had on a golf course. It was a really enjoyable experience,” Smith said.

“I've learnt so much from that experience last year and then playing in Canada has made me feel a lot more experienced and more comfortable on the course.

“I'm pretty happy to get through qualifying again and I was happy to get out there and shoot the best round for the day.

“I hit the ball really well and had some putts drop, so everything is feeling good coming into the tournament.”

Smith said he was refusing to look too far ahead heading into this week's tournament.

While he would like to be a part of the main field come the weekend's play, he said making the cut wasn't a thought in his mind.

“I've been working on a few things with my sports psychologist Michael Fox and I'm not worrying about the cut as such,” Smith said.

Smith will be joined in the field by fellow City Golf Club product Brenton Fowler.

While Smith topped qualifying, Fowler was forced to sink a birdie on the final hole to book his place in the final field.

The PGA will be Fowler's first attempt at a major Australian tournament.

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