Cameron Smith’s Major Struggles Spark LIV Golf Debate
The 2022 Open Champion faces an uphill battle to recapture his dominant form
Since his triumphant victory at the 2022 British Open, Australian golfer **Cameron Smith** has been navigating a turbulent period. His move to LIV Golf, while financially lucrative, has coincided with a noticeable dip in his major championship performance, raising questions about the tour’s impact on elite competition.
A Stunning Triumph Followed by Unforeseen Challenges
Just over two years ago, **Cameron Smith** captivated the golfing world with a masterful performance at the 150th British Open on the historic Old Course at St Andrews. A final-round 64 saw him clinch the coveted Claret Jug, leaving rivals like **Rory McIlroy** in his wake. At 28, with victories at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and The Players Championship already under his belt, **Smith** appeared poised for a sustained period of dominance.
Whispers Turn to Reality: The LIV Golf Switch
Even as **Smith** celebrated his Open triumph, speculation swirled about a potential move to the burgeoning LIV Golf tour. An insider confirmed the imminent defection, stating, “Itโs on.” Despite the mounting rumors, **Smith** remained focused on his golf, deflecting questions about LIV during his post-victory press conference.
โI just won the British Open and youโre asking about that? I think thatโs pretty not that good.โ
โCameron Smith
When pressed further, **Smith** maintained his focus on playing, stating, โMy team around me worries about all that stuff. Iโm here to win golf tournaments.โ Less than two months later, the move became official, securing **Smith** generational wealth.
The Struggle to Maintain Major Momentum
The transition to LIV Golf has coincided with a concerning trend for **Smith** in major championships. Previously a consistent contender, he has struggled to make cuts in recent majors, with his driving accuracy a particular area of concern. He currently ranks 54th in driving accuracy and 62nd in greens in regulation on the LIV Tour.
During the 2023 British Open at Royal Liverpool, **Smith** failed to defend his title, finishing in a tie for 33rd. This marked a stark contrast to his previous consistency, and the trend has continued with missed cuts in subsequent majors, aside from a tied sixth at Augusta.
Expert Opinions Divided on LIV’s Impact
The shift in **Smithโs** fortunes has fueled a debate among golf analysts regarding the impact of LIV Golf’s format on major championship preparation. Former Ryder Cup captain **Paul McGinley** expressed skepticism, suggesting that LIV’s team-based events and different course setups do not adequately replicate the intensity and pressure of major championships.
โI think itโs hard to make an argument that LIV prepares you to win major championships because they are playing team events. Theyโre not playing in the most difficult golf courses, and theyโre traveling around the world and then having to come back to America to play three (of the) four majors.โ
โPaul McGinley
Broadcaster **Brandel Chamblee** was even more critical, lamenting **Smith’s** move to LIV as a detriment to his potential greatness. He believes the reduced exposure to top-tier competition has led to a decline in the games of many LIV players.
โI miss him. I follow him around in majors. Iโve met his crew. Nice people, I love them all, but like most of the LIV players, with the exception of a few, they might as well be in the witness protection program. You donโt see them except for four times a year and you hardly see them then because almost all of their games have decayed.โ
โBrandel Chamblee
Signs of Life and a Return to Familiar Territory
Despite the struggles, there are glimmers of hope for **Smith**. He recently tied for seventh at the Andalucia Masters in Spain, a performance that indicated a potential return to form. His coach, **Grant Field**, confirmed they are working on swing mechanics to address **Smith’s** driving accuracy issues.
Moreover, **Smith** holds a special affinity for Royal Portrush, the venue for the upcoming 2025 Open Championship. He credits his 2019 appearance there as the turning point in his understanding of links golf, a style that served him so well at St Andrews.
โI loved Portrush. That was probably my first year of falling in love with links golf. I had a horrendous record before that. I felt like Iโd played well and hadnโt really got anything out of my game. That week, I managed to play well and from there, Iโve really enjoyed links golf.โ
โCameron Smith
With his exemption for the majors extending for another two years, **Smith** has a defined window to rediscover his championship form. Whether he can overcome his recent challenges and contend again on the grandest stages remains to be seen, but a return to Portrush could provide the perfect backdrop for a resurgence.
