Cameron Smith will head to Royal Liverpool this weekend for his British Open defence chock filled with confidence after driving his red-hot putter all the best way to a second LIV Golf victory in London which he hopes “opens the floodgates” for extra wins.
Whereas the way forward for LIV in 2024 stays clouded, Smith will without end be a two-time winner after holding off a quick end from Masters champ Patrick Reed and fellow Aussie Marc Leishman to safe a one-shot win at Centurion.
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After gathering his $6 million winner’s cheque Smith stated his thoughts was by no means removed from his Open defence and after 4 days “seeing the sights” in London the Queenslander will head to Hoylake for his first take a look at the hyperlinks course the place he’ll attempt to win the Claret Jug once more.
“Simply successful once more I feel is good,” Smith stated, tasting victory for the primary time in 2023.
“It actually hasn’t been that lengthy, I feel. In Australia on the finish of the yr (PGA final December) was my final win, however it looks like without end, and particularly the best way I’ve been enjoying the final couple months, I’ve been knocking on the door.
“It’s good to get one out of the best way, and hopefully it opens the floodgates somewhat bit.”
Smith’s Ripper GC fell agonisingly wanting capturing its first ever crew title regardless of the daring exhibiting from nice mates Smith and Leishman who performed collectively within the closing spherical, urging one another on.
Leishman picked up simply der $3 million for his efforts, his finest LIV end, however he gained’t be on the Open with Smith, a sacrifice he made by becoming a member of the breakaway tour.
Having additionally completed fourth on the US Open final month, Smith stated that whereas he nonetheless has some issues to “clear up”, he’ll hit Royal Liverpool feeling the thrill of being on high of his sport realizing the world’s bets gamers are ready for him.
“I feel it’s simply good to be enjoying good golf. There’s nothing worse going into an enormous golf event and also you’re enjoying crappy golf,” he stated.
“Like I‘ve talked about, there’s most likely a number of issues to scrub up if I need to contend in a few weeks’ time, however yeah, it’s nonetheless an enormous occasion. It’s nonetheless obtained all the largest names there. It’s the Open Championship, so that you need to do your finest. There’s all the time that strain.
“Simply extra of a confidence booster, I feel.”
The British Open begins on July 16.