AUGUSTA, GA. When Cameron Smith holed his final putt for a concluding score of 64 at the Old Course at St. Andrews during the 2022 Open Championship it set in motion what appeared to be a clear pathway in securing future notable wins.
However, the spigot of golf greatness is never a sure thing that keeps on flowing.
Since securing the famed Claret Jug, the appearance of Cameron Smith on the world’s golf stage has been nearly non-existent. If the role of golf’s version of the “Invisible Man” was in need of auditions it is Smith who would most certainly claim the dubious honor.
The Aussie has played in 12 majors since then. The record is hardly noteworthy. Smith has missed the cut in the last five majors played. He has not recorded a top ten in a major event since T6 at the 2024 Masters.
A return to Augusta National may be what’s needed for the 32-year-old. Smith’s playing record at the Masters is his best when held against the other three majors. He has played in the event a total of 9 times — finishing in the top ten five times and in the top five four times.
Smith made a fateful decision after winning The Open by withdrawing his membership from the PGA Tour and opting instead for LIV Golf in August 2022.
Smith had success with the upstart golf tour with several wins but the 54-hole format has not helped him maintained the upper echelon form he demonstrated prior to leaving.
His last win was at a LIV Golf event in New Jersey in August 2023 at Trump Bedminster.
Maintaining one’s position at the elite level in professional golf is akin to standing on shifting sand. No assumptions can ever be made that one’s standing is assured.
There have been numerous situations in which a golfer has won a single major championship and then ceased being a visible factor going forward. As is stated in the business world — past performance is not a sure indicator of future performance.
Familiarity with Augusta National could provide the needed foundation for Smith to return to form. A key strength of his game rests with the flatstick and given the vexing movements of the greens at the Georgia layout the possibility exists that his missed cut in 2025 was nothing more than an aberration.
Can the invisible man return to full visibility?
Smith is hoping for nothing less.
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M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”