Tearful Cam Smith dedicates third Australian PGA title to his ‘inspiring’ Nan

Australian golfing champion Cam Smith has secured his third Australian PGA title with the sportsman fighting back tears as he accepted his win, dedicating his fifth win to his inspirational grandmother.

Smith’s “nan”, Carol, who is battling health issues and currently undergoing chemotherapy, was the Queenslander’s motivation to give his all during the tournament.

With emotion thick in his voice, Smith gave “a special mention to [his] nan” at the Royal Queensland where he made his victory.

Cam Smith after winning the Australian PGA for the 3rd time, best in the world right now ????????

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— LIV Golf Latest (@LIVGolfLatest) November 27, 2022

“We had some good news the other day after she had two rounds of chemotherapy and ended up walking 18 holes all four days,” he said.

“I can’t believe she did it.

“Everyone at the start of the week was telling her to pace herself, and she was out there all day every day, so it was pretty amazing, and definitely inspiring.

“It was also my dad’s birthday today so after I got back to a tie for the lead thereafter (hole) 11, I really wanted to do it for those two.”

Smith secured his place as World No. 3 with three stokes under 68, with his final round lifting him above fellow Aussie Jason Scrivener and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune.

Some people are popular, other people are simply great. In a world full of fake, be a Cam Smith. pic.twitter.com/ksgqipDPkA

— Luke Elvy (@Luke_Elvy) November 27, 2022

However, the sportsman said he’d surprised himself with the win.

“I really didn’t think I had it in me this week. The start of the week was a little bit scratchy and the game just got better and better as the week went on, other than the front nine today,” Smith said.

Smith landed his name in Australian sporting folklore earlier this year when he won the 150th British Open at St Andrew’s on July 18.

Having started the final round with four shots off, spectators were convinced the 2022 British Open was Rory McIlroy’s for the taking.

That was until the 28-year-old played one of the most significant final rounds in majors history, becoming the first Australian to claim the famous Claret Jug since Greg Norman at Royal St George’s in 1993.

“Ah, geez, what a week. I’m going to fall apart here, I know,” Smith said, choking back tears after being handed the coveted trophy.

“All the names on there, every player that’s been at the top of their game has won this championship.

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool to be on there. It really hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will for a few weeks. Yeah, it’s just unreal.”