Afterwards, he was asked at a press conference why his personality hasn’t changed over the years, especially given his recent success in golf. The reporter described his character as “an average American, if you will, or just a solid real blue lad you can sustain”.

His answer was a reassuring “everyone.”

“I don’t know, that’s how I grew up. I was brought up to be humble and respect everyone, just like today, Johnny was great.

“Every time we made a putt or made a birdie, it was: ‘Well played, man,’ or never had any hatred for each other because we were competing.

“We want to win because we want to compete with the best. So yeah, I think that’s how I grew up, and I respect other people’s great performances.”

While admitting “it’s great that people support his looks,” Smith ultimately prefers that they talk about his success on the court.

win

Since winning his first PGA Tour event — with Jonas Blickett — at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans in May 2017 — Smith has become one of golf’s most consistent players.

He then went on to win back-to-back Australian PGA Championships on the European Tour in 2017 and 2018.

Over the past two years, Smith has really reached a new level.

His January 2020 playoff win at the Sony Open was his first solo victory on the PGA Tour, following his best major to date at the 2020 Masters Tied for second behind Dustin Johnson. Smith also became the first golfer to play all four rounds in Masters history in the 1960s.

He won the New Orleans Zurich Classic again in 2021, this time with compatriot Mark Leishman, while Smith tied for 10th at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

At the end of the 2020-21 PGA Tour season, Smith started the year in perfect shape with a record-breaking victory in Maui thanks to his improved driving.

He said he spent the offseason spending time on the driving range practicing with his drivers.

Asked about the work he’s doing to improve driving, Smith said: “It’s really not much. Honestly, it’s probably just hitting more balls with the driver.

“I’m not lazy. Actually, I think I’m lazy on the driving range. I go through wedges and irons and I’m like: ‘I’m ready to go home now.’ “I barely hit the driver. . So I made sure I was there an extra 10 to 15 minutes and actually hit some balls. ”

The result was Smith’s rapid rise in the world rankings and a top 10 for the first time in his career.

One of his goals for the rest of the year is to qualify and lead the International Presidents Cup team, which will take on Team USA in Quail Hollow in September.

“I definitely want to be on that team,” Smith said. “I enjoyed the game so much last time and if I missed it I would be very frustrated. It has been one of my goals since I joined the team as a professional and I will try again and be there.”