Remember how Jon Rahm, despite his impressive T-2 and T-7 finishes at the Open, felt like something was off? He’d been vocal about LIV Golf’s scheduling, suggesting a links tournament before the Open would make all the difference. And he’s not alone in thinking that. Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Championship winner, echoes Rahm’s sentiments. However, we all know how Smith’s career is facing a major downfall this year in regards to his OWGR rankings despite having 9 top-10 performances this year and you won’t believe the recent update.

We all can agree that Smith knows a thing or two about struggling with the transition from one golf style to another. Take this year’s Valderrama to Royal Troon switch, for instance. “It was really two polar opposites of golf,” Smith said, reflecting on the drastic switch from Valderrama to Royal Troon. He emphasized the challenges of adapting to links golf, citing temperature and wind conditions. “It’s definitely something that we spoke about. They (LIV) are well aware of that. I don’t know if it’ll happen next year, but definitely in the future it’s something that we want to do,” he continued.

To add to that, Cam Smith’s recent performance at the Queensland PGA, where he finished T3, did little to halt his slide in the world rankings. Despite sharing top Queenslander honors, Smith’s OWGR ranking remains unchanged, stuck at #121. This mediocre outcome follows a string of disappointing results, including a missed cut at Royal Troon. Smith’s quest to regain his top form continues. “Cam Smith dropped to #121 in the world rankings, but he’s still inside top 60 in performance points. As a result, his ‘contribution’ to the #QldPGA SoF was still huge… over 27%! #OWGR”, read the latest by Nosferatu. 

He shot a final-round 70, three strokes behind winner Phoenix Campbell, who defended his title in a playoff against Jak Carter. Smith’s momentum was hindered by a double-bogey on the fourth hole, but he rebounded with birdies on the front nine, ultimately unable to close the gap. “Probably one bad swing and a bad putt there, on the fourth, just kind of killed the momentum,” he said.

Smith may not have taken home the top prize at the Queensland PGA as the day belonged to Victorian Phoenix Campbell, who secured his second Queensland PGA title. Campbell’s victory will launch him into the world’s top 800. Recently, Smith also commented on Adam Scott’s unannounced hiatus, and it turns out he believes Scott is doing the right thing.

Cameron Smith believes Adam Scott has ‘earned his rest’

Adam Scott’s decision to take a break from competitive golf has sparked mixed reactions. However, LIV Golf’s Cameron Smith understands Scott’s choice, citing his illustrious career. “I spoke to Adam a lot throughout the year and I think his great play towards the end of the year probably led to a few more events than he wanted to play, and to have some time off is always a good thing,” Smith said.

Scott’s absence from the Australian golf scene has raised concerns about his future in the sport. With 14 PGA Tour titles, including the 2013 Masters, Scott’s legacy is cemented. Smith, who has earned over $50 million since joining LIV Golf, recognizes the physical and mental toll of professional golf.

Smith believes Scott’s break will allow him to recharge, “It’s always nice to have him back down here, but at the same time, he’s earned his rest, and I’m sure he’ll be back down here in the future to support again.” Do you think Scott will make an appearance on the green anytime soon? Let us know in the comment section below!