Augusta National was expected to play tough in the week’s build-up to The Masters, and for some it’s proved too much.
Cameron Smith is among them. The Australian shot a two-over 74 in his opening round to leave him way off the leading pace through Thursday’s action.
Typically, players need to be within five shots of the lead after round one to stand a realistic chance of winning, and Smith will likely be outside of that threshold.
But despite that, the 2022 Open Championship winner remains optimistic that he can surge back over the next three days and win the Green Jacket.
Cameron Smith says he is ‘not out of the tournament’ despite a two-over start
The 2026 Masters is set to be a war of attrition, as the Georgia sun will continue to bake the greens at Augusta through the weekend. That’s why Smith thinks he can still win from way back.
After his round, he said, “Yeah, I’m definitely not out of the tournament. You know, like I said it was scratchy today but I feel like I did a pretty good job of getting the most out of it.
“Made a really kind of c—-y bogey on 13. Was in a really good spot. Made bogey there, which hurt a little bit. But other than that, you know, just got the most out of my round. I didn’t feel that great. It was bad, to be honest. I did a good job hanging in there, so still in the tournament.”
He continues, “You always want to know what lead is. I’ve left myself with some hard work to do over the next three days, but I’ve played well round here before.
“I think back of some memories and some good times, and yeah, I still feel like I can do it. Just needs to be way better than today. It was just scratchy.”
Despite the tough start, Smith has a game plan moving forward.
Cam Smith says what he has to do to get back into contention at The Masters
According to Smith, improving his play over the next three days comes down to getting out of his own head.
He said that his swing thoughts held him back throughout his opening round: “Just one of those things I think with my game at the minute.
“I’m just not quite taking it to the golf course, I guess second-guess myself on a few swing thoughts and shots out there early in the round and just kind of, yeah, didn’t — wasn’t really on the front foot ever today.
“Yeah, just needs to be better than that. You know, I don’t know what else to say. It is what it is at the moment. I’m kind of trying to laugh it off a little bit.”
Golf is a game of confidence, and Smith hasn’t played well since joining LIV Golf. Perhaps some solid holes early tomorrow can build some form into his game.
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