Cameron Smith outside world's top 200 at British Open
This week he heads to Royal Portrush outside the world's top 200 after three straight missed cuts in majors in 2025.
But he's hopeful a tough workout in the three-round LIV event in windy conditions in Spain, and ball control work at home, can bring about a turnaround in fortunes and help him get his hands on the trophy again.
Smith finished tied for seventh at Valderrama, just his fourth top-10 finish in 10 LIV events this year, with a tie for fifth his best return.
Those were the days for Cameron Smith. Picture: Reuters/Phil Noble
Stacked alongside his missed cuts at this year's Masters, US Open and US PGA, it makes for grim reading for the 31-year-old Queenslander who flew straight to Portrush from Spain looking to get more reps in conditions that will demand he be at his best.
'You're going to hit some bad shots. You're going to get blown over by the wind. The ball is going to do some crazy stuff,' he said after getting a test of the wind last weekend, albeit in warmer conditions than he'll get during the Open.
'It's just stuff that you have to take on and really move on with. You have to flight it. You have to shape it.
'I've been working hard hitting lots of shots, been working on my flights and all that stuff at home in preparation for this week or really the next three weeks.'
Smith won't be on his own as the Open returns to Northern Ireland, with his LIV Australian teammates Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert having qualified to be among nine Australians at the year's final major.
Smith is ready for a tough test at Portrush. Picture:That cohort includes Elvis Smylie, who consigned Smith to runner-up at last year's Australian PGA, a victory that helped earn him full playing rights in Europe for the first time.
While things haven't gone exactly as planned for the left-hander, who is yet to record a top-10 finish and has missed four cuts in his 12 events, his recent upward trajectory has created hope.
Smylie finished in a tie for 34th at the Scottish Open last weekend, and having begun his prep for Portrush some time ago, by watching the official film of local hero Shane Lowry's 2019 victory, said he's feeling geared up and ready to go.
'You want to feel confident by having good results going into big events,' Smylie said.
'So that's definitely on my mind to put a good week in Scotland to build that confidence knowing the results are there as well as the good feelings that I can produce.
'But it comes back to the work I am doing. I feel like I have been doing good work the last few weeks. I'm looking forward to getting there and doing the work.'
Australians in the Open Championship.
Cameron Smith, Jason Day, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, Elvis Smylie, Curtis Luck, Ryan Peake, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
McSweeney the shining star as Sri Lanka A secure draw
Australia A and Sri Lanka A have ground out a tame draw at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, but the national selectors may have plenty to ponder for the Ashes. It probably was the assurance chief selector George Bailey was looking for - rather than the result - at the end of the four-day game in the Top End, as bat prevailed over ball in a timely reminder all may not be lost for Australia's top order this summer. In reply to Australia A's 486 after making 272 in their first knock, the Sri Lankans dug in to finish on 3-280 when the match was called on Wednesday afternoon. First-drop Nuwanidu Fernando made a superb unbeaten 104, including seven fours and three sixes, ably supported by Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56) and Pavan Rathnayake (56no). The Australian bowlers were unable to make major in-roads after securing the wickets of openers Lahiru Udara (17) and Kamil Mishara (35). Fernando and Sooriyabandara starred in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, before the latter was caught by Nathan McSweeney off the bowling of Liam Scott. It gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but Rathnayake had other ideas, digging in with the centurion to snuff out any chance of an Australian victory. McSweeney's two catches - the other to dismiss Mishara off Mitchell Perry - were the highlight in the field for the hosts, but it was his timely innings of 94 that would have had Bailey's pen and paper ready. Such has been the batting woes of the Test team in the Caribbean, McSweeney's knock at No.3 was a statement of intent. McSweeney showed he was willing to fight to regain his place in the Test team after being dropped with scores of 10, 0, 9 and 4 in two Tests against India - against the world's best bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him on three of those occasions. The Queenslander grafted for his runs against Sri Lanka A, compiling his runs off 220 deliveries with only six boundaries. He was dismissed first ball on the third morning of play, just six shy of what would have been a most timely century. In contrast, Australia's current Test openers Usman Khawaja (47, 15, 16, 2, 23 and 14) and young Sam Konstas (3, 5, 25, 0, 17, 0) have struggled to get close to 50, with the brilliant, but ageing, left-handed Khawaja coming close in the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown. At 38 years and 210 days, Khawaja is struggling, but he's less under the microscope than young star Konstas, who is at the other end of a fledgling career. Alas, the innings may have earned McSweeney another crack at Test level, this time in the Ashes, where he could line up against another frightening bowler in Jofra Archer. Australia A and Sri Lanka A have ground out a tame draw at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, but the national selectors may have plenty to ponder for the Ashes. It probably was the assurance chief selector George Bailey was looking for - rather than the result - at the end of the four-day game in the Top End, as bat prevailed over ball in a timely reminder all may not be lost for Australia's top order this summer. In reply to Australia A's 486 after making 272 in their first knock, the Sri Lankans dug in to finish on 3-280 when the match was called on Wednesday afternoon. First-drop Nuwanidu Fernando made a superb unbeaten 104, including seven fours and three sixes, ably supported by Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56) and Pavan Rathnayake (56no). The Australian bowlers were unable to make major in-roads after securing the wickets of openers Lahiru Udara (17) and Kamil Mishara (35). Fernando and Sooriyabandara starred in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, before the latter was caught by Nathan McSweeney off the bowling of Liam Scott. It gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but Rathnayake had other ideas, digging in with the centurion to snuff out any chance of an Australian victory. McSweeney's two catches - the other to dismiss Mishara off Mitchell Perry - were the highlight in the field for the hosts, but it was his timely innings of 94 that would have had Bailey's pen and paper ready. Such has been the batting woes of the Test team in the Caribbean, McSweeney's knock at No.3 was a statement of intent. McSweeney showed he was willing to fight to regain his place in the Test team after being dropped with scores of 10, 0, 9 and 4 in two Tests against India - against the world's best bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him on three of those occasions. The Queenslander grafted for his runs against Sri Lanka A, compiling his runs off 220 deliveries with only six boundaries. He was dismissed first ball on the third morning of play, just six shy of what would have been a most timely century. In contrast, Australia's current Test openers Usman Khawaja (47, 15, 16, 2, 23 and 14) and young Sam Konstas (3, 5, 25, 0, 17, 0) have struggled to get close to 50, with the brilliant, but ageing, left-handed Khawaja coming close in the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown. At 38 years and 210 days, Khawaja is struggling, but he's less under the microscope than young star Konstas, who is at the other end of a fledgling career. Alas, the innings may have earned McSweeney another crack at Test level, this time in the Ashes, where he could line up against another frightening bowler in Jofra Archer. Australia A and Sri Lanka A have ground out a tame draw at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, but the national selectors may have plenty to ponder for the Ashes. It probably was the assurance chief selector George Bailey was looking for - rather than the result - at the end of the four-day game in the Top End, as bat prevailed over ball in a timely reminder all may not be lost for Australia's top order this summer. In reply to Australia A's 486 after making 272 in their first knock, the Sri Lankans dug in to finish on 3-280 when the match was called on Wednesday afternoon. First-drop Nuwanidu Fernando made a superb unbeaten 104, including seven fours and three sixes, ably supported by Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56) and Pavan Rathnayake (56no). The Australian bowlers were unable to make major in-roads after securing the wickets of openers Lahiru Udara (17) and Kamil Mishara (35). Fernando and Sooriyabandara starred in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, before the latter was caught by Nathan McSweeney off the bowling of Liam Scott. It gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but Rathnayake had other ideas, digging in with the centurion to snuff out any chance of an Australian victory. McSweeney's two catches - the other to dismiss Mishara off Mitchell Perry - were the highlight in the field for the hosts, but it was his timely innings of 94 that would have had Bailey's pen and paper ready. Such has been the batting woes of the Test team in the Caribbean, McSweeney's knock at No.3 was a statement of intent. McSweeney showed he was willing to fight to regain his place in the Test team after being dropped with scores of 10, 0, 9 and 4 in two Tests against India - against the world's best bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him on three of those occasions. The Queenslander grafted for his runs against Sri Lanka A, compiling his runs off 220 deliveries with only six boundaries. He was dismissed first ball on the third morning of play, just six shy of what would have been a most timely century. In contrast, Australia's current Test openers Usman Khawaja (47, 15, 16, 2, 23 and 14) and young Sam Konstas (3, 5, 25, 0, 17, 0) have struggled to get close to 50, with the brilliant, but ageing, left-handed Khawaja coming close in the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown. At 38 years and 210 days, Khawaja is struggling, but he's less under the microscope than young star Konstas, who is at the other end of a fledgling career. Alas, the innings may have earned McSweeney another crack at Test level, this time in the Ashes, where he could line up against another frightening bowler in Jofra Archer.
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Perth Now
McSweeney the shining star as Sri Lanka A secure draw
Australia A and Sri Lanka A have ground out a tame draw at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, but the national selectors may have plenty to ponder for the Ashes. It probably was the assurance chief selector George Bailey was looking for - rather than the result - at the end of the four-day game in the Top End, as bat prevailed over ball in a timely reminder all may not be lost for Australia's top order this summer. In reply to Australia A's 486 after making 272 in their first knock, the Sri Lankans dug in to finish on 3-280 when the match was called on Wednesday afternoon. First-drop Nuwanidu Fernando made a superb unbeaten 104, including seven fours and three sixes, ably supported by Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56) and Pavan Rathnayake (56no). The Australian bowlers were unable to make major in-roads after securing the wickets of openers Lahiru Udara (17) and Kamil Mishara (35). Fernando and Sooriyabandara starred in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, before the latter was caught by Nathan McSweeney off the bowling of Liam Scott. It gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but Rathnayake had other ideas, digging in with the centurion to snuff out any chance of an Australian victory. McSweeney's two catches - the other to dismiss Mishara off Mitchell Perry - were the highlight in the field for the hosts, but it was his timely innings of 94 that would have had Bailey's pen and paper ready. Such has been the batting woes of the Test team in the Caribbean, McSweeney's knock at No.3 was a statement of intent. McSweeney showed he was willing to fight to regain his place in the Test team after being dropped with scores of 10, 0, 9 and 4 in two Tests against India - against the world's best bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him on three of those occasions. The Queenslander grafted for his runs against Sri Lanka A, compiling his runs off 220 deliveries with only six boundaries. He was dismissed first ball on the third morning of play, just six shy of what would have been a most timely century. In contrast, Australia's current Test openers Usman Khawaja (47, 15, 16, 2, 23 and 14) and young Sam Konstas (3, 5, 25, 0, 17, 0) have struggled to get close to 50, with the brilliant, but ageing, left-handed Khawaja coming close in the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown. At 38 years and 210 days, Khawaja is struggling, but he's less under the microscope than young star Konstas, who is at the other end of a fledgling career. Alas, the innings may have earned McSweeney another crack at Test level, this time in the Ashes, where he could line up against another frightening bowler in Jofra Archer.
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- News.com.au
McIlroy returns to Portrush as Schauffele defends British Open crown
A raucous reception will greet Rory McIlroy as the British Open returns to Royal Portrush and Northern Ireland on Thursday for the first time since Shane Lowry's 2019 triumph. McIlroy will be heralded by an expected crowd of 200,000 across the four days after ending his 11-year wait to complete the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April. But a long list of contenders, including world number one Scottie Scheffler and reigning champion Xander Schauffele, stand between the hometown hero and a second Claret Jug. "When I was looking at the calendar for 2025, this was the tournament that was probably circled even more so than the Masters for different reasons," he told reporters after a practice round on Monday. "It's lovely to be coming in here already with a major and everything else that's happened this year. I'm excited with where my game is." McIlroy will be desperate to at least put on a better show than in 2019 when he opened his tournament with a ruinous quadruple bogey on his way to a first-round 79, missing the cut despite a second-round charge. "The golf on Thursday feels like a bit of a blur. I try to forget that part of it," said the 36-year-old, who famously shot a 61 at Portrush 20 years ago. "But I remember the run on Friday. I remember I was making a charge and making a run to try to make the cut, and I hit a 6-iron into the 14th, second shot, and I remember the roar from the crowd... "It was really special." McIlroy will play the first two rounds alongside world number four Justin Thomas and England's Tommy Fleetwood, teeing off at 3:10 pm local time (1410 GMT) on Thursday. - Schauffele searching for best - Schauffele was undoubtedly one of the two most in-form players in the world alongside Scheffler when he romped to his second major title of 2024 at Troon 12 months ago. The American has not posted a top-five finish this year, though, and has admitted he is struggling for rhythm. A tied-eighth effort at the Scottish Open in North Berwick last weekend provided a glimmer of hope that being back on links courses could help him rediscover his form. "I think I had a better understanding of what I was doing, which was helpful when I was hitting bad shots," he said of his efforts in Scotland. The last 11 Opens have produced first-time champions, with the last previous winner to lift the trophy Ernie Els in 2012. Scheffler is one of the players hoping that trend continues. The 29-year-old is the title favourite after bouncing back from an uncharacteristically slow start to the season. The three-time major champion has finished in the top 10 on each of his past 10 starts, winning three times including the PGA Championship. "I could not care any less about being the favourite or not being the favourite," said Scheffler. "We all start even par and the tournament starts on Thursday. That's pretty much all that matters." Lowry sparked jubilant scenes with his sensational six-shot triumph six years ago when the island of Ireland hosted the competition for the first time in 68 years. The Irishman is still waiting for a second major title despite a series of near misses since. "I am a better golfer than I was in 2019," he said. "But it doesn't mean I'm going to go out and win by seven this year instead of six. "It's just golf; that's the way it is. I think, as a golfer, you always have to look at it as the glass is always half full. You can't look at it any other way." The 7,381-yard, par 71 lay-out will provide a tough test, with rainy and breezy conditions forecast for all four days. Two-time champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland will hit the opening tee shot at 6:35 am local time, playing with Northern Irish youngster Tom McKibbin and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard.
