Smith has returned to Augusta National for a 10th title tilt after being the only player to miss the cut at all four majors last year.
Runner-up in Georgia in 2020 and tied for third in 2022 among five top-10 finishes, the one-time world No.2 showed no signs of such struggles as he dazzled fans with trick shots and engaged with spectators during a solo practice round on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).
"It's always nice to be back in Augusta. It just seems like everyone has a great time here so there's a great energy," he said.
A runner-up showing at the Australian Open and two top-10s on the LIV Golf league in 2026 have left Smith feeling heartened about his chances of getting back in the Masters mix once more.
"Particularly, I feel like I've played some of my best golf here and have never quite got it done," said Smith, the first man to shoot four rounds in the 60s during one Masters.
"It's a place I enjoy playing, a place that I love. I feel really comfy around here but, really, I've got to treat it like another week and get out there and try and get the job done."
At 32, Smith is the same age as great mate and countryman Adam Scott was when he won Australia's one - and still - only green jacket and admits father time weighs on his mind.
The stage is set. #themasters pic.twitter.com/yke7jH2mvn— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 6, 2026
But the 2022 British Open champion remains as hungry as ever to add a second major trophy to his CV.
"I'm not happy with one," he said.
"I would love to. I know how much hard work it was to get one and it seems like it's multiplied to get two so, yeah. I just need to keep doing what I'm doing.
"I feel like I've done some really good stuff, particularly this year. The swing's starting to feel really nice, starting to feel really calm out on the golf course, which I haven't really felt for a long time.
"So it's nice to have a laugh rather than having a bit of a frown."
A wizard on and around the greens, Smith ironically tied for sixth at Augusta two years ago without truly contending and believes he can win on Sunday if he strikes the ball as he did in 2024.
"The putting feels great. I don't think the putting has really been the issue. I don't think my game has been the issue. It's probably really been my brain more than anything, to be honest, over the past year or two.
"So it's just about getting back into some good old habits and doing the stuff that I need to do be a world-class golfer and I feel like I'm doing all of it."
Smith and wife Shanel welcomed the birth of son Remy on Masters eve last year and he conceded he struggled juggling being a first-time father with professional golf.
"I've never been one for excuses but my life has definitely changed to what it has, particularly the last year or so. So I just have to learn to deal with that and get better," he said, adding that winning a major with his family greenside remained his ultimate dream.
"That would be unbelievable. Remy's only one so I don't know if he'd remember it but it would be unreal.
"I saw AK (Anthony Kim) do it down in Adelaide. It was so cool to watch his little girl run out on to the green and give him a big hug.
"It's pretty emotional and I can't wait to get that done."
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