Cameron Smith's bid to lift a fourth Joe Kirkwood Cup has got serious with the hometown hero also committing to play in the Queensland PGA Championship.
Nine years after the Brisbane native was runner-up in the Queensland championship he'll again feature in the Challenger Tour event at Nudgee from October 31.
The three-time Australian PGA Championship winner will then join defending champion Min Woo Lee and fellow major championship winner Jason Day as a feature players for this year’s event at Royal Queensland Golf Club (RQ) from November 21-24.
LIV Golf star Smith, sixth at this year's Masters, had already confirmed his start at the NSW Open Golf Championship at Murray Downs from November 14 before a likely tilt at a maiden Australian Open.
Smith’s impressive Australian PGA Championship record features back-to-back victories in 2017-18, before he won again in 2022.
But he left RQ choking back tears last year after missing the cut at nine-over par, including a seven-over 78 in the second round which he described at the time as "unacceptable and upsetting".
"Coming home to Queensland is a highlight of my year," he said on Thursday.
"It’s always special to be back playing in front of my family, friends and all the golf fans and hopefully being up near the lead.
"(Playing both Brisbane tournaments is) going to be something different for me, but I’m really looking forward to both weeks back home.
"Of course I’d love to win both, but it’s going to be difficult with the fields that will be at the two tournaments.
"Playing at Nudgee will be good preparation for Royal Queensland and hopefully will have me at my best to attempt to take back the Joe Kirkwood Cup."
Another title would see the 2022 British Open champion join Robert Allenby and Norman Von Nida as a four-time PGA winner, trailing only Kel Nagle (six wins) and Billy Dunk (five).
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said securing Smith was a huge boost for both events.
“We all love seeing Cam playing golf back in Australia and I’m sure he’ll be determined to put on a great show in front of his home crowd this year at both Royal Queensland and Nudgee,” Kirkman said.
“Cam really appeals to all ages of golf fans. He’s a big reason why so many youngsters are taking up the game and are in our galleries at Royal Queensland each year."
As a young professional, Smith was runner-up in the 2015 Queensland PGA Championship after finishing as leading amateur in the 2011 event.
His 2024 highlights have included two LIV Golf team wins with Ripper GC and a tie for sixth at the Masters.
