Cameron Smith made his debut in LIV Golf in 2023. And well, his first season was nothing less than extraordinary. Finishing in the top 30 in all the events, except for Greenbrier and Chicago, Smith managed to finish the year with the second position in the Individual standing. However, in 2024, his game did decline a little, but he still managed to finish in the top 10 of the Individual standings. But things started deteriorating since the 2024 LIV Golf Chicago.

After three rounds of over par, Smith finished at 52, dropping down on the individual standings. And 2025 only keeps getting worse. The Ripper GC Captain started the season at Riyadh, where he played exceptionally well in the opening round, scoring a 5-under. However, after an even par, and a 2-under, he finished at T25. Even in the Adelaide, he finished at 30. The player who was once in the runner-up position has currently dropped down to 37 in the standings! Talk about downfall. His last win came at the LIV Golf Bedminster, back in August 2023, and has been winless ever since.

In the Happy Hour 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill episode of the No Laying Up podcast, Sally spoke about Smith’s performance. “Cam’s one that, like, man, I mean, yes, come on, he was so good. Freaking good player, his game was insane. Are we going to see Cam approach that? That’s what I’m, I guess, more curious about. He’s been one of the big bummers of this whole LIV thing, the forgotten man, truly the forgotten man. Yeah, I think we’ve seen his best golf, unfortunately,” he said, disappointed in the Captain’s gameplay lately.

While Cameron Smith may not be currently in peak form, he will forever cherish the highlight of his career. The Australian golf star reflected on his unforgettable triumph at The Open Championship three years ago, a victory that solidified his status among the sport’s elite. Battling against formidable competitors like Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy, Smith delivered an exceptional performance, securing a surprising win at the prestigious tournament.

Cameron Smith opens up about his journey at the Open Championship victory

In an honest conversation with Man of Many, Cameron Smith reflected on the emotional highs and lows of the final day at The Open Championship. He admitted that the enormity of the situation didn’t truly hit him until the closing holes, but he kept his composure through it all. “At the start of the final day, I wasn’t too nervous. Being behind in the standings allowed me the freedom to play aggressively, which surprisingly took the pressure off,” Smith shared. However, as the round drew closer to the finish line, the pressure started to intensify. “With only three or four holes to go, the nerves really started to ramp up. The weight of not having won a major yet, along with everything that comes with it, made it much harder. It felt so different at the start of the day compared to the end,” he revealed.

Despite the mounting pressure, Smith’s performance in the final round was nothing short of spectacular. Particularly impressive were his five birdies in the last nine holes, all while the crowd wasn’t in his favor. This added an extra challenge, but rather than feeling discouraged, Smith used it as fuel. He recalled the pressure of making crucial putts with the crowd’s disapproval ringing in his ears. Yet, in his words, “The crowd’s negativity pushed me to perform better. It gave me the motivation to keep going, and all I wanted was to finish strong.” Smith’s story is a testament to the mental strength required in professional golf. His resilience under immense pressure is what defines him as a player and makes him a formidable competitor.

In conclusion, Smith’s victory at The Open wasn’t just about hitting the right shots; it was about the mental toughness needed to succeed in one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. Cameron Smith continues to prove that success on the green requires more than just skill—it’s about maintaining focus and composure when it matters most. What are your thoughts about his journey? Let us know in the comments section below!