Once one of golf’s most feared closers, Cameron Smith now finds himself in an unfamiliarly tough spot – ranked No. 222 in the world and searching for answers ahead of The Masters Tournament.

The shock slide of the former world No. 2 has raised eyebrows across the sport, but Smith told Code Sports it was in part a deeply personal factor behind the dramatic drop: becoming a father.

The 32-year-old, who received a $150 million payday to join LIV Golf, and his wife Shanel welcomed their first child, a daughter named Florence, in late March 2025.

Smith admits it hasn’t been his swing that deserted him but “brain”.

“I don’t think my game has been the issue. It’s probably really been my brain more than anything,” Smith said.

Just three years ago, Smith was lifting the Claret Jug after winning The Open Championship and looked destined for multiple majors.

Instead, last year Smith became the only player in the world to miss the cut at all four majors.

Now, the Queenslander concedes life off the course has shifted everything.

“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.”

The timing has intensified scrutiny, given his LIV move, where limited ranking points have contributed to his slide down the official standings.

But Smith insists there are signs of life.

“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.”

And there may be no better place for a reset than Augusta, a course where he has consistently contended and said he feels “really comfy”.

Aussie charge building at Augusta

While Smith has a mountain to climb, Australia’s Masters hopes appear stronger elsewhere — led by Min Woo Lee.

The world No. 25 has been knocking on the door all season and arrives in red-hot form, armed with what he believes could be a tournament-winning edge: a mini driver he calls a potential “weapon”.

“It’s been great. Believing in myself, that’s probably the biggest thing, and just trusting what I’ve been doing,” he told The Australian.

“I’m looking forward to the Masters. It’s a great week and I love being back and hitting some creative shots.

“Yeah, very confident in my game right now.”

Lee has surged up the rankings in 2026 and is widely seen as the nation’s best chance to contend, with his improved driving accuracy unlocking his creativity around Augusta.

Former world No. 1 Jason Day is also shaping as a genuine threat and doing it his own way.

The 2015 PGA champion has rolled into Augusta living in a luxury bus packed with his entire family, complete with sauna, cold plunge and gym set up.

It’s an unconventional Masters base, but Day believes it could be the key to ending his long major drought.

“I know I have the game,” he said. “If I give myself opportunities … I’ve got a good feeling I can win.”

Then there’s Adam Scott, the 2013 champion chasing history in his 25th Masters appearance.

At 45, Scott believes a wave of veteran success could be building.

“This year is looking better for me than the last few,” he said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if it all lined up.”

Only a handful of players have won Augusta in their 40s — a club featuring legends like Jack Nicklaus and, more recently, Tiger Woods.

Scott’s form suggests he could yet join them.

For Smith, though, the spotlight remains firmly fixed.

“I know how much hard work it was to get one … it seems like it’s multiplied to get two,” he said.

Augusta has a habit of producing redemption stories and for Smith, this week might be as much about rediscovering himself as it is chasing another green jacket.