July 14th, 2026 <\/p>\n
\n By Australian Golf Digest <\/p>\n
[Photo: Golf Australia]<\/p>\n
Travis Smyth says he still has a lot to prove as he prepares to tee it up at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale this week.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old secured his return to golf\u2019s 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
Now back on one of golf\u2019s biggest stages for just his second Open appearance, Smyth is determined to show how far his game has come.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still feel like I\u2019ve got a lot to prove because I haven\u2019t played well in majors on this stage yet,\u201d Smyth said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve played well on the Australian and Asian Tour, but in terms of this world stage, I feel like I\u2019m yet to put my name out there and put my hand up.\u201d<\/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. 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\u2019s most demanding layouts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe course is incredible,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen the wind gets up, it\u2019s tough. It\u2019s really firm, which we all like, and this golf course asks so much precision from you. You\u2019ve got to hit some really quality shots if you want to play well around here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winning the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit has transformed Smyth\u2019s career, opening the door to a global schedule and the opportunity to compete regularly against the world\u2019s best.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Order of Merit has opened so many doors,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the long-term opportunities are significant, Smyth\u2019s attention this week is fixed solely on making an impact at Royal Birkdale.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to win. I want to play well. I want to be in contention,\u201d he said. \u201cI want to have that walk down the 18th with the grandstands full. I think that would be so cool. That\u2019s what I\u2019ve been envisioning during the practice rounds.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 154th Open Championship begins on Thursday at Royal Birkdale, with Smyth one of seven Australians in the field. The tournament will be broadcast on Fox Sports 503 and Kayo Sports.<\/p>\n