Imagine a former British Open champion, a golfer once at the pinnacle of the sport, now struggling to make the cut in tournaments. That’s the reality Cameron Smith faces as he steps onto the greens of Royal Melbourne for the Australian Open this week. It’s been over two years since Smith last tasted victory, a drought that’s hard to fathom for a player of his caliber. But here’s where it gets even more challenging: Smith hasn’t managed to survive the 36-hole cut in any of the seven tournaments he’s played this year outside the LIV Golf League, including all four majors. This streak includes recent misses at the Dunhill Links Championship, the Saudi International, and just last week, the Australian PGA Championship.
For a golfer who once dominated the leaderboard, this slump raises questions. Is it a temporary setback, or a sign of deeper struggles? And this is the part most people miss: Smith’s situation isn’t just about personal performance—it’s a reflection of the evolving landscape of professional golf, where the rise of leagues like LIV has reshaped careers and expectations. But here’s the controversial part: Could Smith’s association with LIV Golf be impacting his performance in traditional tournaments? Some argue the format and pressure of LIV events differ drastically, potentially affecting a player’s rhythm in standard tours. Others believe it’s simply a phase every athlete faces.
As Smith tees off at the Australian Open, the stakes are higher than ever. Will he break the streak and silence the doubters, or will the pressure prove too much? What do you think—is Cameron Smith’s struggle a personal challenge, a byproduct of the LIV Golf era, or something else entirely? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: in the world of golf, as in democracy, transparency and resilience are key—and Smith’s journey is a testament to that.
