Cameron Smith is not fazed by falling five shots behind the Queensland PGA Championship leader after the second round and remains confident he can bridge the gap at Nudgee Golf Club.
After an opening round of five-under-par 67, the 31-year-old Australian superstar could only manage a par round of 72 on day two.
The 2022 British Open champion had four bogeys and four birdies on a frustrating day where he was unable to get any momentum.
Overnight joint-leader and defending champion Phoenix Campbell backed up his opening six-under 66 with a round of 68 to hold the outright lead at 10 under.
"I didn't play quite as well as I did yesterday," said Campbell, who became the first amateur to win the Queensland PGA in its 92-year history 12 months ago.
"I missed a couple of greens and made some really good up-and-downs, which kind of kept me in it.
"It wasn't my best stuff, but I hung in there all day.
"I can't really worry about what everyone else is doing ... I've got to just stick to my game. That's all I can control."
Campbell is one shot clear of amateur Billy Dowling, who followed up his opening 66 with a three-under 69.
Smith, meantime, was pragmatic after completing his round.
"It probably wasn't as bad as what it looks. I got a few dud bounces and had a couple of bad drives as well but getting the ball on the fairway seems to be impossible on a few holes," he said.
"You've just got to take the good with the bad especially when you aren't trying to play aggressive golf."
Smith had several birdie putts lip out or just miss and is not concerned about his position on the leaderboard. He won't be holding back in the final two rounds.
"I think the more I can get the wedges in my hand, whether it is from the rough of a bunker, the better my score is going to be," he added.
"I hit a lot of good putts today that just shaved the edge so hopefully the putter fires up and I will be right up there.
"I still think I played some pretty solid golf but it just wasn't my day. Five shots (to make up) over 36 holes is nothing."
Smith was not surprised that Campbell and Dowling did better than hold their own.
"It is impressive for sure but it is not like I went out there today thinking they would go backwards," Smith said.
"They are two really good young golfers with two good careers ahead of them."
