The 31-year-old secured his return to golf’s oldest major after a breakthrough 2025-26 season, claiming the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit to earn DP World Tour status for 2027.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Now back on one of golf’s biggest stages for just his second Open appearance, Smyth is determined to show how far his game has come.<\/p>\n
“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to prove because I haven’t played well in majors on this stage yet,” Smyth said.<\/p>\n
“I’ve played well on the Australian and Asian Tour, but in terms of this world stage, I feel like I’m yet to put my name out there and put my hand up.”<\/p>\n
Unlike his Open debut at Royal Liverpool in 2023, Smyth arrives at Royal Birkdale with confidence built on one of the finest seasons of his career.<\/p>\n
His campaign featured victories at the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship and International Series Japan, where he eagled the final hole to claim the title, while also earning a late call-up to the victorious Crushers GC team at LIV Golf Korea.<\/p>\n
Smyth has already spent a week preparing for the championship, playing multiple practice rounds at Royal Birkdale in varying wind conditions to familiarise himself with one of The Open rota’s most demanding layouts.<\/p>\n
“The course is incredible,” he said.<\/p>\n
“When the wind gets up, it’s tough. It’s really firm, which we all like, and this golf course asks so much precision from you. You’ve got to hit some really quality shots if you want to play well around here.”<\/p>\n
Winning the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit has transformed Smyth’s career, opening the door to a global schedule and the opportunity to compete regularly against the world’s best.<\/p>\n
“The Order of Merit has opened so many doors,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I’m in a really unique position where I can put together a great schedule and play tournaments all over the world. The goal now is to make the most of those opportunities.”<\/p>\n
While the long-term opportunities are significant, Smyth’s attention this week is fixed solely on making an impact at Royal Birkdale.<\/p>\n
“I want to win. I want to play well. I want to be in contention,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I want to have that walk down the 18th with the grandstands full. I think that would be so cool. That’s what I’ve been envisioning during the practice rounds.”<\/p>\n
The 154th Open Championship begins on Thursday at Royal Birkdale, with Smyth one of seven Australians in the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n \u00a9 Golf Australia. All rights reserved.
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