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Newly turned pro Phoenix Campbell, the defending Queensland PGA champion, will have his work cut out with big-name star Cameron Smith in the field this year.
Defending Queensland PGA champion Phoenix Campbell credits lunch with Adam Scott earlier this month for giving him the confidence to go back-to-back.
The 23-year-old made history last year at Nudgee Golf Club where he became the first amateur to win the tournament since it began in 1926.
The rising star has played just two tournaments as a professional and last week finished in a tie for second in the Players Series South Australia.
With 2022 British Open winner Cameron Smith playing in this year's $250,000 Queensland PGA - starting on Thursday in Nudgee - Campbell faces stiff opposition.
In the lead-up to the Japan Open, while still an amateur, Campbell got a massive confidence boost from time spent with 2013 Masters champion Scott.
"I was meant to play a practice round with him before the event but got rained out so Scotty took me out for lunch and I picked his brain about turning pro, what the process looks like and how to maximum myself going forward," Campbell said.
"I took a lot of confidence from it, knowing he has the faith in me and knows I am a good player. I have that same belief in myself.
"I can draw off it and use what he says to my advantage. He reminded me that I am here to play golf at the end of the day and to bring my best golf each week."
The Smith factor is going to be a thorn in the side of Campbell's quest to defend his title, but he's not looking at it that way.
"I have to stick to my game. I can't affect how he plays. If I bring my game and play my best I am sure I can play my best golf," he said.
"I am super excited and hoping to tee it up with (Smith) this week or in the coming weeks. I think it is going to be great for the event. There are going to be a lot of people out watching him which will make it more fun to play."
Campbell birdied the 72nd hole at Nudgee in 2023 to win with a seven iron and pressure putt on the challenging par three. Now he's back as a professional, and in-form as well after a six-under final round last week.
"Playing for money is definitely a different game but it is good to be back and feels very familiar. There are a lot of good memories," he said.
He also has good memories of his lunch in Japan with Scott ... and a sense of humour.
"I embarrassed myself. I thought I was getting salmon but actually ordered salmon roe which I hadn't had before," he chuckled.
"Scotty was chuckling when salmon eggs rocked up on my plate but it was actually quite delicious."