On Johannesburg's Steyn City course, big crowds greeted the landmark event enthusiastically on Thursday, whooping it up as the all-South African 'Southern Guards', headed by major winners Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, roared into the lead of the team event.
For once, that format eclipsed the individual duels but the big international names all came out to play, with double US Open champ Bryson DeChambeau, fresh from winning LIV Golf Singapore, taking the first-round lead alongside fellow American Charles Howell III after they shot eight-under 63s.
Sergio Garcia went round in 64 and Jon Rahm 65 while former British Open champ Smith shot a five-under 66 in a promising start as he seeks to break his two-and-a-half year winning drought.
It perhaps should have been even better for Queenslander Smith, who'd opened up in the shotgun start from the par-five fourth hole with three-straight birdies, and then made it four in his first five holes.
Ultimately, he had to settle for the same score as nine others, including former Masters champ Schwartzel, who found the whole occasion quite overwhelming as he soaked up the cheers.
"I think that was one of the best experiences I've ever had on a golf course," Schwartzel said. "I've played Presidents Cups, I've teed off in front of presidents in New York, and that first tee gave me goosebumps.
"I almost had tears in my eyes. It was a really proud moment."
His teammate Branden Grace, who led the way with a 64 as Southern Guards GC led on a combined 18 under, enthused: "It was amazing. South Africa has been hungry for a big golf event like this and this experience."
Like Smith, compatriot Elvis Smylie got off to a sparkling start, and was joint-leader earlier in the round at five under after his first eight holes, before he slipped back to finish with a four-under 67 that left him in joint-17th position.
Lucas Herbert went round in 69 and Marc Leishman 70 as the all-Aussie Ripper GC lay in joint-ninth place in the team event, six shots off the lead.
16°C