Royal Melbourne is rightly held in high regard among golfers, and Cam Smith confirmed this at the Australian Open. Smith, who had shown disappointing results in majors this year, unexpectedly found inspiration here. After a second round with a score of 65 strokes, he found himself among the tournament leaders. "I needed a boost, and I got it," Smith noted.
According to Smith, the secret of Royal Melbourne lies in its ability to inspire creative shots. "On some courses, you just aim at the targets, but here you have to work with the wind and be inventive," he explained. This course demands a creative approach from players, which is ideal for players like Smith.
On Saturday, Smith excelled again, finishing the round with 66 strokes and taking second place before the final. He once again praised the course for its variety and opportunities for creative play. "You can play any way you want here — from straight shots to complex combinations. It's truly a unique place for golf," Smith added.
Among the tournament participants, stars like Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee also stand out, both ranking in the top 6 before the final round. Rory McIlroy, although not contending for the title, also drew attention with his presence.
For Smith, it's an opportunity to finish the year successfully, and his motto this week is "let go." He is focused on confidence in every shot, leaving the tournament's outcome to the course and circumstances.
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