Cameron Smith enters the British Open with a challenging backdrop, having missed the cut in three major tournaments this year. Once ranked No. 2 in the world and a previous winner of the championship, Smith now finds himself outside the top 200. His recent performance at the LIV event in Spain, where he finished tied for seventh, raises hopes that he can regain form in the upcoming tournament at Royal Portrush.
Smith, who celebrated his British Open victory three years ago, faces a difficult road ahead as he prepares for this year’s event. After consecutive missed cuts at the Masters, US Open, and US PGA, the 31-year-old from Queensland is working diligently to improve his game. He recently participated in a demanding three-round LIV event in windy conditions, aiming to fine-tune his ball control.
In discussing his preparations, Smith remarked, “You’re going to hit some bad shots… The ball is going to do some crazy stuff.” He acknowledges the challenges posed by unpredictable weather and emphasizes the importance of adapting his shots accordingly. Smith has been tirelessly practicing at home, focusing on shot flights and technique in anticipation of the conditions he will face in Portrush.
Team Support and Rising Talents
Smith will not be alone as he competes in Northern Ireland. His fellow Australian teammates, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert, have also qualified for the championship, contributing to a strong Australian presence with a total of nine players participating. Among them is Elvis Smylie, who narrowly defeated Smith at the Australian PGA last year. The victory granted Smylie full playing rights in Europe for the first time.
While Smith’s recent form has been less than stellar, Smylie’s upward trajectory offers a glimmer of hope. He finished tied for 34th at the Scottish Open last weekend, and his preparation for Portrush has included watching Shane Lowry’s 2019 victory film. Smylie has expressed confidence in his ability to perform well in major tournaments. “You want to feel confident by having good results going into big events,” he stated, highlighting the importance of consistent performance leading up to the Open.
As the countdown to the British Open continues, Smith and his compatriots are focused on delivering strong performances under pressure. With a blend of experience, determination, and teamwork, they aim to make their mark at one of golf’s most prestigious events.
