After Putting His Olympic Dreams Under Threat, Cameron Smith Seeks a $100,000 Solace but Still Faces a New Menace

You might not see it live on TV, but a lot is going on at the Cathedral Invitational. The fledgling Australian Tournament on the shores of the Tasman Sea has attracted some eyeballs due to a star-studded lineup that includes Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, and Gabi Ruffels. Only in its second year, the Australian tournament has already found a new record-holder for posting the lowest round at the Cathedral Lodge and Golf Club. But it’s not Cameron Smith.

Arguably, the biggest highlight of the lineup, the LIV Golfer is teeing up in his home country for the third time in two weeks. The Queenslander is in the second position while his 43-year-old compatriot enjoys the overnight lead. Going into the second round, both will joust for the $100,000 prize money. 

Cameron Smith eyes glory in Victoria

For Cameron Smith, the invite-only event is a chance to finish the year with a bang. After coming second in the season-long LIV Golf leaderboard, the Australian was hoping for a stellar start to a new season. But the LIV Golf London winner’s dreams were cut short at the 2023 Fortinet PGA Australian Championship and again at the ISPS Handa Australian Open. 

This time in the Greg Norman-designed golf course, the Australian Pro is on the top rung of the leaderboard as the second round goes on. Smith has posted 7 under 65 in the opening round, to move to the second spot, making eight birdies on his way.

However, it’s his compatriot, Adam Scott, who made headlines after setting a tournament record. The 14-time PGA tour winner conjured up a whopping ten birdies to post an 8-under 64 in the signature Victorian course. The only blotch was a double bogey, but it didn’t matter as the former Masters champion enjoyed the overnight lead.

For Smith, this was the chance to blow the cobwebs out after two bush league performances in his home country. The six-time PGA Tour winner, after missing the cut at the Australian PGA Championship, finished in the 17th position on the leaderboard at the ISPS Handa Australian Open. If that were not enough, his chances for Olympic qualification look slimmer day by day.

What are the odds for Smith?

Cameron Smith didn’t bargain for this when he joined the breakaway league. The OWGR points were always a doubt, but the Australian probably didn’t think it might hurt him this bad. OWGR’s denial of points to LIV Golf has put his Olympic hopes in limbo.

Read More: After Suffering From LIV-Infused OWGR Shackles, Can Cameron Smith Find His Way into the 2024 Olympics?

Only the top two players from a particular country in the OWGR standings can take part in the prestigious event. The 2022 Open Champion knows the value of this honor, for the one-time Major winner has represented Australia in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 

Smith finished just four shots behind the eventual winner Xander Schauffele and finished at the 10th position courtesy of a last-hole bogey. The Cathedral Invitational doesn’t have any OWGR points to offer, so even if Cameron Smith walks away with the winner’s check, it would do little to improve his Olympic chances.

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