Cameron Smith thinks he may win his first Green Jacket in the Masters Tournament the following week if the LIV Golf schedule is altered.
With just three tournaments held by LIV Golf before the famous event, the Australian is more prepared and match fit going into the first Major Championship of the year than he was when he ended in a share of 34th place at Augusta National last year.
He will have participated in five LIV Golf events this time around with stops in Mayakoba, Las Vegas, Jeddah, Hong Kong, and this week’s Miami competition.
“We were only able to play three events prior to the Masters last year. Before the Masters, this will be our fifth tournament this week, Smith told the Australian Associated Press.
It’s undoubtedly among the topics we discussed as a group.
Thus, it’s more tournament time spent simply competing. It will be really helpful on its own, but picking up the clubs a little earlier will also assist a lot.
“There were a few things that needed to change and they (LIV) changed it, so it’s been great for us.”
For Smith, Augusta National has been a comfortable hunting ground even though he hasn’t won there.
The 30-year-old is the first golfer to shoot four rounds in the 60s, having finished in the top 10 at the storied site four times. In 2020, he finished in second place.
“It’s unbelievable, probably the best week of the year for everything,” stated Smith.
“You’re right into it and you’re definitely thinking about Augusta as soon as the New Year starts and you pick up the clubs again, which is kind of after Christmas.
“I don’t believe anything in particular exists. You sort of have it in the back of your mind.
Of course, you’re also attempting to get ready for the competitions that take place between Augusta and the New Year.
“But the last three weeks I’ve been trying to get out on the course a little bit more and really focus on some kind of shot, shaping and controlling flight, which I think is pretty crucial for playing good around there.”
The former World No. 2 would join an elite group of golfers who have won the Masters Tournament and The Open Championship at St Andrews if he were to don the green jacket next month.
Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Zach Johnson, and Seve Ballesteros are the six players who have already accomplished the feat.
It would seem unbelievable. The St Andrews Open is a unique event. It would be simply amazing to double it up with a green jacket, Smith remarked.
“I saw it growing up, and from the time I was maybe five or six years old until I went pro, I never missed a shot there.
“Yeah, it’s just such a cool place and to have the opportunity to do it in my eighth time there, I desperately want to
get it and it’d be awesome if I did.”
