Two weeks to the Masters, and the bids and speculations are swarming in! Many top names from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have already showcased their dominant form. Like, Phil Mickelson, who, with his third-place finish at the LIV Golf Hong Kong, has shared positivity about his participation. Well, apart from the in-form players, some have struggled and one of the names on the list is Australian professional Cameron Smith.
The 31-year-old has an impressive victory count that was once on the rise each year. In 2022, he had The Open Championship, The PLAYERS, and the Sentry, along with two LIV Golf Miami and Chicago. Even with his 2023 season, he recorded two victories. But, that was the last time the golfer lifted a trophy. Since then, it’s been fewer world ranking points, no major exemptions, and the constant reminder that his golden payday came with a side of dwindling opportunities.
Recently, at the Talk Birdie To Me Podcast, Nick O’Hern, former World No. 16 in golf, the only player to beat Tiger Woods twice in match play joined Mark Allen, a professional golfer for 15 years, to discuss the LIV golfer. Starting off, they were questioned by a fan about Cameron Smith. “It’s disappointing to watch a guy who I think could have won multiple majors now looks like another standard professional golfer playing out his career on the LIV Tour and not challenging in Majors,” the question read.
Talking about how the pressure and being at majors is different from any other event, O’Hern praised how professionals deal with it with such grace. However, continuing on Smith’s part, he shared how shocked he was to hear the news. He said, “Cam, I mean, when he first went, I was a little surprised,” It was when the golfer’s British Open win was still fresh. “He had the chance to become, I thought Australia’s best golf ever, the money though, obviously, hard to turn back,” O’Hern went on. The golfer’s declining form, truly, is concerning.
PGA, Golf Herren The Masters – Practice Round Apr 4, 2023 Augusta, Georgia, USA Cameron Smith putts on the no. 3 green during a practice round for The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Augusta Augusta National Golf Club Georgia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDaniellexParhizkaranx 20230404_xk2__0015
His performance in the majors hasn’t been any better. Last year, his best finish came at The Masters, where he was placed T6. For the rest, he was placed T32 at the US Open, and T63 at the PGA Championship, further mising the cut at the Open on 154 (+12). But will the struggle at the majors continue in 2025? Let’s find out about his ongoing form.
Glimmer of hope in Smith’s form
With close finishes and a mixed form for 3 years, the drought of victories continued. But with close finishes, the expectations for the 2025 were there. But, it’s the same story until here. At his best, the golfer turned runner-up at the BMW Australian PGA Championship.
Out of his six participations in the 2024-25 schedule, he has only one top-20 finish, (the recent LIV Golf Singapore). For the rest, the results were T25 at Riyadh, 30th at Adelaide, and T20 at Hong Kong. You see? A mixed bag. But interestingly, aside from his decent finish, the golf world is noticing a steady upward trend in his performance. Even though his results might not show it, his round score did. In the first two events, the score was close to par but has changed to below par.
The golfer has recorded rounds of 69-68-66 in Hong Kong. Even in Singapore, his best round was 67. Now with the improving form, and two weeks to the Masters, can the golfer wave off to the speculation? There’s much competition with Rory McIlroy, and many new golfers too taking the spot. Though, certain venues, like Augusta National or links courses in The Open Championship, suit his strengths. If conditions favor creativity and shot-making, Smith could be a threat. What are your thoughts on his performance? Is he ready for the old-school leagues again? Share with us in the comments below.
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