In a surprising turn of events at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, defending champion Cameron Smith experienced a tough second round, missing the cut by nine shots and leaving the 30-year-old on the brink of tears in his hometown of Brisbane.
Smith, a former Open champion, expressed his disappointment, labeling his performance as "unacceptable." Despite being no stranger to pressure, the golfer struggled to find his rhythm, making a double bogey at the 10th and closing with bogeys on the final two holes at the Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Min Woo Lee emerged as a frontrunner, shooting an impressive five-under-par 66 to reach 12 under overall, leading fellow Australian Adam Scott by a single shot. Smith, a three-time winner of the Australian PGA (2017, 2018, and 2022), faced one of his toughest rounds as a professional, reflecting on the challenges of committing to his game.
Meanwhile, Adam Scott, the former US Masters champion, displayed a stellar performance with a bogey-free round of 65, featuring six birdies. Scott credited his improved swing from tee to green for his success, expressing satisfaction with the progress.
Joel Moscatel, the Spaniard who set a course record with a remarkable 63 in the first round, remained in contention at eight under after a 71, ensuring an exciting and competitive landscape as the championship unfolds.
The tournament's dynamic shifts and emotional moments underscore the unpredictable nature of golf, showcasing both triumphs and setbacks on the picturesque course at the Royal Queensland Golf Club.
