Cameron Smith knew a strong result at this week’s Australian PGA Championship was essential to qualify for next year’s Paris Olympics.
Smith, playing at LIV Golf Course, is no longer able to maintain his former high position in the Official World Golf Rankings, so he needs to play well at the Australian Open this week in Brisbane and next week in Sydney.
The reigning champion failed miserably in his first test, missing out on qualifying for the PGA by nine strokes on Friday with 78 over.
Smith was at one point in second place in the OWGR, but now he has fallen to 18th place, and he finished the day with six birdies to take first place on the leaderboard.
He paired up with Minwoo. Smith was so moved by the poor performance that he was close to tears.
“Yes, I can’t say anything. It’s rubbish.
I’ve worked under pressure before, and it’s unacceptable and actually a bit annoying,” he said. “I know what I’m doing. It’s another thing to just go out and participate.”
Man of the People 🙌
Watch Cam Smith in front of his home crowd I’m always happy! 🇦🇺@Queensland | #AusPGA pic.twitter.com/hv8lKKUWcL
Smith, who finished 10th at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and won the same event in 2017 and 2018, called his performance “unacceptable.” was expressed.
“Australia did very well even when they were tired so there’s no reason for them to perform so well. I’ve performed under pressure before and that’s never acceptable.’ he said. “I think I went the wrong way a few times and tried a little too hard, which is very frustrating.”
Adam Scott tops with a 65 as Smith struggles to score. forced into a tie. Wrap of the day. Scott is in the middle of the tournament at 11 under par and is just one stroke behind Lee.
“It’s always nice to have a bogey-free round, but this year we probably didn’t have many rounds like that,” Scott said.
It’s a beautiful thing to me.”