The reality, however, is that all eyes are seemingly on World No.2 Jordan Spieth and former No.1 Jason Day. And that suits the softly spoken Queenslander just fine as he prepares to try and claim his maiden title at home. After what has been a breakout year for the 24-year-old.

“I typically don’t like the spotlight, I try to stay away from it as much as I can, just try to do my own thing and do what I have to do,” Smith said Wednesday.

“After my good finish here last year, that kind of boosted me on the US Tour, it was a good finish of the year there as well. I played really well throughout the whole year and got a win in there with Jonas (Blixt) as well, which is very handy.”

Smith partnered with Jonas Blixt to claim his first PGA Tour win in 2017. PHOTO: Getty Images/Chris Graythen

Despite not grabbing the mainstream headlines like Day and Spieth this week, Smith is unquestionably a player on the rise who the two top ranked players in the field will be keeping an eye on as he attempts to win his national open for the first time. An achievement the youthful looking player has very much at the top of his priority list, potentially more than once.

“As many as I can,” Smith said when asked about how many Stonehaven Cups he would like. “I haven’t really - I wouldn’t put a number on it, just every year I’m just here to compete and give it a good shot and whatever that adds up to, I’m happy with.”

Smith is now Florida based, although he regularly returns home, and acknowledged a different feeling when teeing it up in the country of his birth, even without the attention directed at others coming his way.

“I always feel like coming home I feel a bit of added pressure, I guess, to play good in front of the home crowd,” he said. “It’s been something that I’ve wanted to win since I was a little guy, so a bit of added pressure this week. I’ve been working hard on my game, so hopefully I can get it through and get it done.”

Smith’s first PGA Tour win came at the newly team formatted Zurich Classic with Swede Blixt, who joins him in the field in Sydney this week. And it was Blixt indirectly, through Smith’s caddie who lives with the multiple Tour winner, who helped convince Smith to setup camp in Florida. Something that in another indirect way may help him achieve one of his career goals of winning the Australian Open this week.

Smith doesn't enjoy the attention he receives courtesy of his outstanding golf game. PHOTO: Getty Images/Jung Yeon-Je

The former amateur star’s new base in America’s ‘Sunshine State’ could prove just the tonic needed as he looks to overcome his past struggles at The Australian. A course he admits he hasn’t “played that great around” but bares a lot of similarities to those he practices and plays when in his new hometown.

“I typically haven’t played that well around this golf course in particular, but it is pretty similar to those Florida courses, it’s always windy around here, you’ve got to control your ball. It’s something that I’d like to think that I’m pretty good at, so if the wind gets up and the weather starts to turn a bit sour, yeah, I think I’ll be up there,” he said.

Smith will play the opening two rounds alongside Spieth and local favourite Matt Jones in one of the marquee groups. Undoubtedly making his preferred method of avoiding the spotlight difficult if his game is on song.

Whether there is five or 5000 people following his group The Wantima Golf Club product is sure to have a smile on his face under his oversized flat brimmed Titleist hat with his game in top form.

“I feel really good about my game. Obviously, my last couple of tournaments over there in Asia, I’ve played really well there, I had a good chance to win in Korea as well, I didn’t quite get it done there. But I feel really good about my game. I love Sydney, love the Australian Open, so, I’m ready.”

And if the week goes to plan he will be dealing with a lot more of that unwanted extra attention. Something Smith will surely gladly accept if he is able to secure the trophy.