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Australian Cameron Smith says his criticism of US Presidents Cup golfer Patrick Reed after his cheating scandal appears to have cost him their friendship.

Australian young gun Cameron Smith is standing by his cheating comments about Patrick Reed despite it costing him his friendship with the US Presidents Cup star.

The pair have crossed paths during practice at Royal Melbourne this week with Smith revealing that Reed had ignored him.

The Texan was penalised two strokes during a tournament in Bahamas last week for improving his lie when he moved sand with his practise swing.

The 2018 Masters champion denied he intentionally broke the rules.

Smith had been outspoken with his criticism, saying Reed's justification was "bulls**t" and accused him of "cheating the rules".

Ahead of the opening day of the tournament the Internationals debutant said there was now tension between the pair.

"I'm sure he didn't like it," Smith said on Wednesday.

"I think there is a little bit of tension there. I've looked at Patrick a couple of times but he hasn't looked back."

The 26-year-old Queenslander said he and Reed shared a physio so were previously on good terms in the locker room but felt that may no longer be the case.

"I think our friendship, I guess, is not quite there any more," Smith said.

But the world No.52 didn't back down on his comments.

"I just think it's a case of what's right and what's wrong. I think there's something to be said about that."