Cam Smith knows exactly what it takes to win The Open Championship, but the Australian failed to find his best golf this time around, missing the cut at Royal Portrush
Cam Smith made an early exit(Image: Getty Images)
Cam Smith became the only player to miss the cut at all four majors this season, after the LIV Golf star’s week came to an early end at The Open Championship.
Smith, whose tournament got off to a tricky start with his first shot on Thursday, once again struggled and ensured he would play no more than 36 holes after sitting at eight-over-par through two rounds. The former PGA Tour man followed up a one-over-par 72 on Thursday with a 78 the day after.
The Ripper GC captain will have had some confidence going into round two, having rallied back on the back nine a day earlier to soften the blow of his testing start.
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Having come back in two-under on day one, this form deserted him at Royal Portrush a day later as he made six bogeys and one double bogey to cancel out his only birdie of the day on the par-four 17th. It is once again back to the drawing board for Smith, whose major talents have been questioned in recent years.
This time three years ago, the Australian was at an all-time high, having been crowned Champion Golfer of The Year at St Andrews at the 150th Open. His position as one of the very best players in the world now feels a long way away, though.
His missed cut at The Open, joins his failed attempts at the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open this campaign.
There were of course positive sides there on Thursday, after Smith showed a glimpse of his best in tough conditions to give himself a chance ahead of his second round.
Cam Smith endured a tough week(Image: Getty Images)
Seeing the positives, Smith said post-round on day one: “It was pretty good. Pretty solid, particularly that back nine.
“Could have really got away from me, I think. Hung in there nice and just committed to some swings, what I’ve been doing the last few times out.
“Gave myself a little bit of a talking to through nine and played that last nine really solidly.” Seemingly finding comfort and confidence in his game after battling back, he added: “I’ve just been doing a really good job of committing to swings and committing to shots.
“I think being a little bit uncomfortable out there, it just kind of slipped my mind a few times and hit a few bad shots and got myself into a bit of trouble when I really shouldn’t have. I’ve been swinging the club really nicely. Like I said, I just need to go out there and commit to some swings.
“I was able to do that on the back nine and give myself a lot of looks, which was nice.” It was of course not to be a day later though, Smith will now have to wait eight months to get his chance on the major stage again, with next year’s Masters no doubt feeling a long way from now.