SYDNEY (Reuters) – Cameron Smith faces an uphill battle to qualify for the Olympics in Paris later this year, which is serving as additional motivation for him to perform well at the upcoming Masters tournament. The Australian golfer, currently ranked 62nd in the world, finished tied for 10th at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but with four compatriots ranked higher than him, Smith needs strong showings at key events to secure his spot in Paris.
Smith’s decision to join the LIV Tour means he will not earn rankings points from most events, making his performance at Augusta, the PGA Championship in May, and the U.S. Open in June crucial in his bid to qualify for the Olympics. “It’s desperately a place that I want to get to and represent Australia,” Smith expressed in a press conference from Florida.
Having finished in the top five at Augusta three times in seven visits, Smith is determined to claim the prestigious green jacket and fulfill one of his major ambitions. Reflecting on the iconic tournament, he stated, “It’s just such a cool place … I desperately want to get it and it would be awesome if I did.”
With the proposed unification between the LIV and U.S. PGA Tours still uncertain, Smith is embracing the additional time off that has come with it. “I’ve probably got another four or five weeks off every year in the last couple of years and been able to spend more time in Australia,” he shared, highlighting the benefits of the extended breaks.
Despite rumors of a drastic makeover, Smith’s famous mullet hairstyle will remain intact, as his team revealed a social media post of him without it was just an April Fool’s Day prank. The golfer will showcase his signature look at the upcoming LIV event in Adelaide, recalling the success of last year’s tournament.
As Smith gears up for the Masters, his focus is on refining his skills and technique to excel on the challenging Augusta course. “We’ve just had three weeks off and I’ve been out on the course focusing on shot-shaping and controlling flight, which I think is pretty crucial for playing good around there,” he explained.
Acknowledging the pressure to perform under the circumstances, Smith is determined to make the most of his opportunities in the lead-up to the Olympic selection. “I know I have to play well, and I’m probably only going to get three or four shots at it before they make the selection. I guess it is more pressure,” he admitted.
With his sights set on representing Australia on the global stage, Smith remains committed to his goal of competing at the Paris Olympics. As he navigates the challenges of qualification, the 30-year-old golfer remains focused and driven to secure his spot among the world’s best players.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
