While much of the golfing world lay in waiting for Rory McIlroy to finally end his major hoodoo yesterday, Cameron Smith had other ideas.
The Australian put together one of the most remarkable back nines in major history, recording five birdies on the spin after the turn to move to the top of the leaderboard. It was a position he would hold until the end of the day, making a final birdie on the final hole to card a -8 round of 62 to claim the claret jug.
It was a stunning performance, one that truly announced his arrival as one of the best players on the planet.
However, it did not take long before there were some rumblings about his future in the game.
Cameron Smith unhappy over LIV Golf question
Soon after Smith claimed the trophy at St Andrews, he received a congratulatory tweet from Greg Norman. That is not unusual, considering that the 28-year old became the first Australian since Norman to win The Open.
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! 🇦🇺🏆 A spectacular final round mate. A triumph for you and for Australia as the first Australian to win in 29 years. You’re in good company :-) Enjoy every moment of your @TheOpen victory @CameronSmithPGA. #TheOpen #thatwinningfeeling pic.twitter.com/GIdvhLpPVa
— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) July 17, 2022
However, LIV Golf links were inevitably made.
Norman has been the one spearheading the Saudi venture, and considering how dismissive he has been of other golfing events not involving his players, many took this to be a sign that Cameron Smith was about to join the new tour's ever growing list of stars.
The Brisbane native was inevitably asked about this in his press conference, with taking offence to the question while also refusing to dismiss the links with LIV Golf.
The LIV Golf question everyone is tweeting about. Cam Smith with the death shot "i think thats... pretty, not that good" pic.twitter.com/Jn5FGtOUSf
— Let's Get Topical (@LGTopical) July 17, 2022
I just won the British Open and you’re asking about that. I think that’s pretty not that good...
I don’t know mate. My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.
Hardly the type of dismissive comments made by the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth in recent times.
Cameron Smith ascended to second place in the world rankings with this victory, although that is not a spot he will be hanging onto in the long-term should he make the move to LIV Golf.
This is certainly one to keep an eye on.
SEE ALSO: McIlroy Remains Positive Despite Crushing Loss At The Open
