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Cameron Smith is determined to be known for having a major championship under his belt to go with his major mullet.
Cameron Smith is confident he can add a major championship to go with his major mullet.
The Queenslander's popularity in the golf world has soared exponentially over the past six months - much like his world ranking - as he sports what he calls a "filthy" mullet on the US PGA Tour.
The hairstyle has gone viral on social media platforms since Smith was runner-up in the 2020 Masters and took even greater life when he joined with fellow Australian Marc Leishman to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last month as "Team Mullet".
But while the win in New Orleans was full of fun, the 27-year-old arrived at this week's PGA Championship at Kiawah Island with his game face on.
As Australia's top-ranked player, he spearheads the quest to claim the country's first major championship in nearly six years.
"I'm determined to win a major. The goal from the start has been to be the best player in the world, not just in Australia," world No.25 Smith told AAP.
"I'm feeling very comfortable heading into this week.
"I love the course and I love that it will be firm and fast and windy.
"It's going to be a grind and a long week but I'm ready for that."
Smith expects conditions on the coastal course will ensure prosperous results come to those who not only keep the ball in play off the tee, but those who find inventive ways to get up and down around the putting surfaces.
Given he ranks 11th on the US PGA Tour this season in strokes gained around the greens and is 14th in putting, plus his last start was a victory, Smith becomes an instant contender.
But he says form doesn't really matter when 99 of the top 100 players in the world are in the field.
"Form is a myth. It doesn't exist," Smith said.
"It's a fresh start every week in golf.
"It's a new challenge every day. So it's all about how you handle that day to day.
"There is not much that has to go right for anyone in the top 100 to win.
"They are the best players in the world for a reason and if they have a good week they're going to be tough to beat.
"But the bottom line is I know I can hit the shots that need to be played and when you execute those the results come.
"I just hope it stays firm and the wind gets up. I play my best golf when I can be creative and this course demands that.
"I can't wait to give it a red-hot crack."
