Cameron Smith clings to contention in bare feet in tournament he must win to make Paris Olympics because of LIV Golf penalty

The Olympic flame still flickers for Aussie golf star Cameron Smith who remains in contention at must-win PGA Tour event in Kentucky in the United States. 

Smith was relieved after a strong three-under-par start at the PGA Championship, thanks to his reliable putter. 

That included an incredible par after seemingly walking on water by taking off his shoes and socks to hit out of a shallow stream to stay in the fight.

His 68 left him leading the Australian contingent, six shots behind American leader Xander Schauffele. 

To qualify for the Paris Olympics, Smith must win this tournament in Kentucky but faces tough competition from Jason Day and Min Woo Lee for spots on Australia's Olympic golf team. 

Currently ranked No.61, Smith's Olympic chances depend on winning here, as he can't earn points from LIV Golf events. 

After Kentucky, only the US Open remains for Smith to improve his ranking before the June 13 cut-off. His Olympic dream is crucial, especially after narrowly missing a bronze medal in Tokyo. 

He lamented not going lower but, after battling an uncooperative putter and still tying for sixth at the Masters, Smith was pleased enough with his start to the year's second major championship.

'I actually hit the ball quite well for probably the first 12 or 13 holes there,' Smith said.

'Kind of let go of it a little bit at the end, but everything felt really good and I managed to get a few good par saves and keep the momentum going for tomorrow.'

Some much needed R & R was the priority before what he expected to be a gruelling last three rounds at the challenging 7609-yard layout.

'It's going be a long week,' Smith said.

'I think you know that at the start of the week anyway - it's a major week. It's always more demanding.

'So plenty of rest this afternoon, maybe hit a few balls, clean some stuff up and get a good sleep tonight.'

After starting on the 10th tee, Smith collected four birdies in his first 13 holes to be hunting Schauffele down.

But he drove into the native area on the par-4 fifth to record his only blemish of the round before scrambling home with four straight pars to sit in a share of ninth spot.

Smith's LIV Golf teammate Lucas Herbert was the next best Australian after signing for a two-under 69.

'Everything was kind of decent but nothing was amazing,' Herbert said.

'Got off to a poor start there but then caught that back up with four birdies.

'I think I holed out really well, holed some nice five footers, some sort of eight footers just to keep my momentum through the round, through the back nine and not drop any shots when I maybe struggled a bit.'

Adam Scott never got going in a one-over 72 that matched his playing partner Tiger Woods.

Scott failed to make a single birdie all morning but limited the damage with his lone bogey on the par-3 14th, his fifth hole of the day.

Jason Day, Min Woo Lee and Cam Davis all had afternoon starts for Thursday's opening round.