The magic that once surrounded Cameron Smith at golf's biggest events has vanished, replaced by a growing sense of heartbreak and what-ifs. His latest disappointment, a missed cut at the Masters, has fans and pundits alike wondering if the swashbuckling Aussie's days as a major force are a thing of the past.
Rewind to 2022, and Smith was on top of the golf world. He captured the prestigious Players Championship and then authored a legendary performance to win the Open Championship at St. Andrews. He was gritty, creative, and looked destined for a long stay among the game's elite. Then, he made the lucrative jump to the LIV Golf league.
Since that move, his major performances have fallen off a cliff. Smith has now failed to play the weekend in six consecutive majors. At Augusta National, hopes for a revival were dashed as he posted a seven-over-par total through 36 holes, well outside the cut line.
The reaction from the golf world has been a mix of sadness and frustration. "Watching great players throw their careers away playing resort courses every week just to shoot 77's in majors is actually a bummer," said radio host Nate Geary. "Smith looked like he was going to be an all-timer."
Fans echoed the sentiment online. "What a total waste of talent," one comment read. "Wins the Open at St Andrews and is on the cusp of being world #1. Then just semi-retires to play an exhibition series no one cares about." Another added, "You get the impression he's not really interested in competitive golf anymore. He got his money and gave up. Sad."
Smith wasn't the only LIV star to falter at Augusta. In a surprising turn, Bryson DeChambeau also missed the cut after a disastrous triple-bogey on his 36th hole. For more on DeChambeau's challenging week, check out our report on how he brushed off questions about his equipment after a rocky start.
Even Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, barely made the cut and was never in contention, adding to the narrative that the league's format may not be preparing its stars for the relentless pressure of the majors. This stands in stark contrast to the Masters magic brewing for players like Rory McIlroy, who remain fixtures on the traditional tours.
The central question now is one of motivation. Has the guaranteed money and lighter schedule of LIV Golf dulled the competitive edge that propelled Smith to the Claret Jug? "Cam is a great dude but his story is similar to DJ and others," a fan noted. "They got their bag and want to enjoy life. They just don't grind like before."
As the golf world turns its attention to the PGA Championship next month, the pressure will be immense on Smith and his LIV peers to prove they can still compete at the highest level. For now, the dominant feeling among golf fans is one of loss—for the fiery competitor with the mullet who seemed poised to challenge for majors for years to come.
If Smith's struggles continue, his legacy risks being defined not by his brilliant 2022, but by the major championships that got away after it. The road back to contention is steep, and the clock is ticking.
