Cameron Smith details how he survives his gruelling schedule that takes him around the world

Defending Australian PGA Championship winner Cameron Smith has had another long year travelling the world playing but through it all has been the humble steak and pepper pie. Smith details how he survives his gruelling schedule as he makes a charge for a third straight PGA title.

DEFENDING Australian PGA Championship winner Cameron Smith has had another long year travelling the world playing but through it all has been the humble steak and pepper pie.

Smith’s presence in Queensland this week is a rare chance to be home so when he is living out of his base in Jacksonville, Florida, in the US he does his best to have a reminder of Australia.

“My girlfriend and I found a half decent place in the US that sends pies out to you,” Smith said.

“We get them every now and again. I like to get steak and pepper ones, they are good.”

Cameron Smith of Australia plays a shot during day two of the PGA Championships at RACV Royal Pines on December 20, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Smith spoke of his fatigue from another long year after looking out of sorts while shooting a two-over par 74 in Round 1 on Thursday but produced a remarkable second round seven-under par to hold five-under going into the weekend.

The average punter sees Smith when he hits the shores of Australia through the summer but his year on the US Tour is full to the brim and it takes it toll.

Smith entered this week’s tournament ranked 53rd in the world, playing 25 events, not including the President’s Cup.

The 26-year-old Brisbane product said he would average two weeks at home between events, having to recover, then practice for around five hours a day between gym workouts and travel to and from tournaments where he and six other players share a chiropractor.

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Some of those are seven hours on the west coast of the US and others are 35 hour trips door-to-door to play in Asia.

“I’m pretty tired to be honest,” Smith said.

“It was a big week last week (at the President’s Cup in Melbourne). I have had two weeks off here and there but it’s never ending.”

“It’s a constant adjustment trying to see what works and what doesn’t. I think I have a pretty good system now as far as time change but it’s always difficult.”

Cameron Smith of Australia plays a shot during day two of the PGA Championships at RACV Royal Pines on December 20, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

So what’s the hardest thing Smith deals with? Being away from family and friends.

It’s why this week is so special and Smith also credits it for why he has been so successful.

“The hardest thing is probably not being home,” Smith said.

“I grew up in Brisbane and it’s still kind of weird or hard that you can’t drive five minutes to see mum and dad or see your aunty or go out to the pub with your mates to have dinner.

“I’d say that is probably the hardest thing about it all.

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“We rent a house down here (for the PGA Championship) and get a few mates and family. It’s always a good week.

“We don’t get to see each other very often so anytime that we can catch up and have a beer and stuff is never off the table.

“I think it’s helped me with my success here. I always seem to play my best golf when I’m relaxed off the golf course.”