Cameron Smith will join Adam Scott at second Cathedral Invitational

A new Australian golf event in just its second year will have two of the game’s biggest names playing with ambitions for better to come.

Word of mouth after the success of the inaugural Cathedral Invitational moved Cameron Smith to add a third tournament to what he hopes will be a triumphant return to Australia, joining Adam Scott who believes the newest event could grow into something significant.

Scott, who played in the inaugural event at the landmark course in country Victoria last year, said the 36-hole, limited-field tournament marked a move forward in thinking in Australian golf and he wanted to “sink my teeth” into building it.

While the $100,000 prize purse is pocket change for the likes of Scott and Smith, who is vying for a $28m cheque at the LIV event in Chicago this weekend, the movement away from standard 72-hole events, with staggered tees and men playing with women, was the sort of progression the game needed, the 2013 Masters champ said.

“We certainly shouldn’t be afraid of taking a few chances on things and seeing how it works out,” Scott said.

“We are pretty slow in the golf industry generally to make changes. I have to credit anyone who is willing to take a chance, whether it’s golf course set-up or the way an event is being played, and I think this is a great chance to let this event grow organically through word of mouth.

“Already Cam Smith is playing, he doesn’t want to miss out on the fun. It’s getting bigger and bigger.”

Adam Scott and Cameron Smith at last year’s Australian PGA. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Scott, 41, knocked back a big-money offer to join the Saudi-backed LIV tour but was a fan of the smaller schedule and 54-hole tournaments it presented.

While he has no intention of scaling back his own playing commitments, Scott said pushing the game forward was part of his future plans and he saw growth in the Cathedral event, started by David Evans, who built the course on his own property.

“I want to contribute and that’s how David and I have connected through this event, by wanting to offer something else and hopefully grow something for the future,” he said.

“It’s early days but I’m sure David has big visions and I want to assist him, especially back home in Australia. It’s a chance to build on something and I can sink my teeth into a few things later in life.”

Scott and Smith will be joined by Marc Leishman and LPGA rookie Gabi Ruffels for the event to be played in December.

“I had a great experience last year. I’m certainly at a point in my career where I want to enjoy playing the game in these sorts of formats,” Scott said.

“I’ve played so many 72-hole stroke-play events, this is an opportunity for us to unwind a little bit, compete and bring the pros together in a different setting. I’m looking forward to getting back again this year.”