Cam Smith is back in action once more this week as he takes on the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
He is one of several Australian stars in the field, while Smith is joined by five-time Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy among other high-profile players.
Smith missed the cut at the Australian PGA Championship last week, carding rounds of 69 and 75 to finish on two-over.
It continued a very frustrating period for the LIV Golf ace, who has now suffered seven consecutive missed cuts heading into the Australian Open.
Annoyed Cam Smith speaks after missing seven cuts in a row
As per Golf Australia, Smith has now opened up about his struggles: “Throughout the season it’s been a case of hit one or two bad shots here and there, and it’s like, ‘Oh, here we go again’ type of thing, whereas maybe in years past it’s been almost a challenge for me.
“It feels defeating to be honest, it feels like I’m right on the cusp of where I should be and not really getting anything out of it.
“It feels so good on the range and so good in practice rounds, and that’s just super frustrating. There are a few things that I can definitely work on, but I don’t think it’s the game. Golf doesn’t owe me anything. I have to go out there and work.”
Smith, who captains Ripper GC on LIV Golf, is a one-time major champion, winning The Open Championship in 2022.
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Cam Smith says when he plays his ‘best golf’ ahead of the Australian Open
Smith also discussed the sandbelt conditions at play at Royal Melbourne, the host of this week’s tournament.
He said: “I think you have to be very creative, and I’ve always said that I play my best golf when I’m creative.
“You just have to hit the right shot, and sometimes the right shot is hitting it to 30, 40, 50 feet and leaving yourself that putt, and when it’s time to be aggressive, you really have to knuckle down and be aggressive. So I think it tests every part of your game, but particularly kind of your strategy and your shot selection.”
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He certainly knows the venue well, with the Australian having made his Presidents Cup debut there back in 2019.
The US team won 16-14, but the home favorite did manage to claim a 2&1 singles win over Justin Thomas.
Smith has tasted plenty of success on home soil elsewhere, winning the Australian PGA Championship on three occasions.
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