Frustrated Australian golf star Cameron Smith has made a frank admission about the mental struggles contributing to his dramatic slide in form, as he prepares to chase his first Australian Open title at Royal Melbourne.
The Painful Slide From the Top
Since reaching the lofty heights of world number two in 2022 – the same year he claimed a memorable British Open victory – Smith's descent has been stark. The Queenslander's disappointing run continued last week when he missed a seventh consecutive cut at the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane.
This year has been particularly barren for the 32-year-old LIV Golf star, who was forced to sit out the weekend play at all four major championships. His winless streak in individual tournaments now stretches beyond two years, a painful drought for one of the nation's most talented players.
'Head Noise' and a Defeating Feeling
Ahead of the Australian Open, which begins at Royal Melbourne on Thursday, Smith pinpointed the root of his problems as mental rather than technical. He confessed that 'head noise' and a negative mindset are undermining his undeniable skill.
"Throughout the season it’s been a case of hit one or two bad shots here and there and it’s like, ‘Oh, here we go again’ type of thing," Smith explained in Melbourne on Tuesday. "Whereas maybe in years past it’s been almost a challenge for me."
He described the current experience as "defeating," adding, "It feels like I’m right on the cusp of where I should be and not really getting anything out of it. It feels so good on the range and so good in practice rounds, and that’s just super frustrating."
Despite the struggles, Smith remains defiant about the state of his game. "There’s a few things that I can definitely work on, but I don’t think it’s the game," he stated. "Golf doesn’t owe me anything. I have to go out there and work."
Royal Melbourne: A Place of Confidence and Challenge
The iconic Royal Melbourne sandbelt course offers Smith a beacon of hope. It was here in 2019 that he made his Presidents Cup debut, playing a key role as the International team nearly pulled off a stunning upset. Smith secured a crucial two and one victory over American star Justin Thomas in the singles, though the US eventually triumphed 16-14.
Smith believes the creative demands of Royal Melbourne suit his strengths perfectly. "I think you have to be very creative, and I’ve always said that I play my best golf when I’m creative," he said. "It tests every part of your game, but particularly kind of your strategy and your shot selection."
To lift the Stonehaven Cup on Sunday, Smith will need to conquer a formidable field that includes world number two and five-time major winner Rory McIlroy. Yet, the local favourite remains optimistic that a turnaround is within reach.
"I mean, if everything comes together there’s no reason why I can’t be out there competing," Smith asserted. "It would be a pretty special thing to win an Aussie Open around Royal Melbourne for sure."
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on whether the popular Queenslander can silence the 'head noise' and rediscover the champion form that made him a global star.
