The game of golf is more than just duking it out on the greens. It is not called the ‘Gentleman’s game’ for nothing. And, the LIV golfer Cameron Smith was able to perfectly portray the essence of the sport in the recent tournament that took place in Royal Queensland, the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.
Although the golfer experienced a good year in 2023 owing to his performance on the greens, he couldn’t replicate the same back in the event taking place in his hometown. However, he did not forget about his loving fans despite suffering an early exit from the tournament, leaving many in the golfing community touched and surprised!
Cameron Smith becomes a hero to his supporters
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Coming in as a favorite to emerge victorious at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship as the defending champion, he was unable to pull off his best on the course over the first two days. The Aussie could only register scores of 73(+2) and 78(+7) over the two rounds respectively. However, this did not stop him from coming back to the event later on for his fans.
A post was uploaded on Twitter by a sports reporter known as Adam Jackson showcasing the 30-year-old after the tournament on Saturday. He was spotted at the Royal Queensland Golf Club even after no longer being a part of the ongoing event.
The tweet mentioned how Smith showed up at the “Aust PGA Championship on Saturday” to give out signatures and “meet fans after missing the cut.” The video revealed him signing the caps of his young supporters who were but a part of the long line of people waiting to meet the professional at the course.
Respect to Cam Smith, still showing up at the Aust PGA Championship on Saturday to meet fans after missing the cut. pic.twitter.com/dALcmROsk6
— Adam Jackson (@AdamJackson_9) November 25, 2023
Even the pro would not have thought that such a small act of giving back to his admirers would go on to garner a lot of attention on the internet. Well, it did and, surprisingly, touched the hearts of many in the community.
Smith giving back to his supporters draws in a flurry of responses
The tweet uploaded by Jackson went ahead and garnered a lot of reactions under the same. The responses ranged from admiration for the golfer to sympathy for the pro for the amount of hate he received for his jumping ships to the Saudi-backed league. Let us take a quick look at some of the responses.
Some fans were extremely impressed with the act that the 30-year-old put up even after not making the weekend cut at the Australian PGA Championship event. And, expressing the same was the fan page dedicated to the PIF-funded circuit dubbing the 1X major champ as nothing short of “classy.”
This is so classy.
— LIV Golf Nation (@LIVGolfNation) November 25, 2023
Another supporter joined in with the fan page as he also expressed his admiration for the 6X PGA Tour champ. The very act of looking past the loss and being there for one’s own admirers is a “class” act.
Yeah, that’s a bit of class 👊🏼
— Guy Day (@guyday77) November 25, 2023
Another enthusiast did share his support for the actions of the Australian pro. However, he did not forget to take a subtle jab at the Middle Eastern circuit all the while doing so using one of the LIV golfer’s quotes no less!
A classy move indeed.
Did find it strange after being an MC he was quoted as saying…
'I'm definitely getting a bit tired towards the end of the year but that's golf, that's not an excuse'.
Thought LIV schedule did away with players being tired.
— Daz (@DAZMAN1AC) November 25, 2023
Some people were very sympathetic towards the 30-year-old because of the hate he receives from others who are big supporters of the PGA Tour. They pointed out how one should not pour so much hate on a good guy because of a risk he took in his career.
The fact so many people hate on a genuinely good guy because he dared to leave the PGA tour says so much about our world and its not good!
— skryp (@Theskrypclub_) November 25, 2023
Smith could only score a 7-over par 78 on the second day, leading to him not making the cut for the weekend. And, a fan did rightfully point out the same all the while expressing his hope for the future accolades that the golfer might be able to dish out, especially at the Australian Open.
Shoots a 78. Sits his ass down and signs autographs for an hour. Love this guy, everything about him. Betting he comes back for Aus Open and cooks the field.
— Will Kelly (@IKnowSoftware) November 25, 2023
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One user on the other hand had a sarcastic take on Smith’s actions. Although the person did not come out outright hating on the professional, he did not forget to poke the athlete for doing something that everyone expected him to do.
That’s great but not a fan of giving respect for doing something you’re supposed to be doing 🤷🏼♂️🤔.
— Maggiesdad300 (@StocksNgolf300) November 25, 2023
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Well, whatever the case, despite an underwhelming performance, the classy act does portray the sportsmanlike spirit of the Australian professional.
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