Olympic selection is 'fantastic feeling' says Smith

Published 12:32pm 2 July 2021

Cameron Smith, who grew up and learned to play golf in Pine Rivers, will make his Olympic Games debut in Tokyo later this month.

The 27-year-old now based on the US PGA Tour, is one of four players named today as the Australian golf team for the Olympics in Japan.

Smith lived in Bray Park, went to Pine Rivers State High School and learned to play golf at Wantima Country Club in Brendale which hosts the annual Cameron Smith Junior Classic.

Cameron Smith, bottom left, who is on his way to the Olympic Games

Super pumped

“Just being a part of the Olympic squad is a fantastic feeling,” Smith said on the Australian Olympic Committee website.

“It's something that I didn't really think that we ever had a chance of doing growing up.

“Any chance I get to put on the Australian flag and put on the green and gold I’m there, I’m super pumped.”

Selection for the Olympics was on world ranking – Smith is ranked 28 and will be joined by Marc Leishman (34). Together they won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in April.

Cameron Smith, top left, in his Australian Olympic team shirt.

Millions watching

Minjee Lee (14) and Hannah Green (15) will represent Australia in the women’s event, which, like the men, will be over four rounds of strokeplay.

“Congratulations to Minjee, Hannah, Cameron and Marc, it’s fantastic to have you on the Team,” Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo Ian Chesterman said on the Australian Olympic Committee website.

“These four athletes have shown they can compete at the highest level and I know they will represent Australia with distinction both on and off the golf course.

Cameron Smith, who is still a member at Wantima Country Club, Brendale

Time to celebrate

“We’re so excited to have Golf on the Olympic programme, it will be huge in Japan and there will be millions of Aussie fans cheering them on from back home.

“Today is a time to celebrate not just for the players but for their family, friends, coaches, supporters and everyone at Golf Australia who has helped them reach this Olympic milestone.”

The Golf competition will run from July 29–August 1 (men) and August 4-7 (women) at the Kasumigaseki Country Club.

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