Cameron Smith Criticizes Australian Open Course Set-Up
Cameron Smith, a prominent golf superstar, has publicly criticized the organisers of the Australian Open for their course set-up. He expressed his disappointment in how the renowned Kingston Heath and Victoria sandbelt layouts have been transformed into what he described as American-style target golf.
Smith’s Frustrations
Known for his calm demeanor, Smith could not contain his frustrations after participating in Wednesday’s pro-am event. He accused officials of using Melbourne’s recent heavy rainfall as an excuse for the excessively soft greens, stating that such conditions are not typical even after rain.
Smith bluntly dismissed the explanation, saying, “I think it’s just been prepared like this for a reason and it’s not how these golf courses are meant to be played.” He emphasized his disappointment with the current course conditions, labeling them as “soft and slow.”
Impact on Australian Open
The Australian Open is being held in Melbourne for only the second time since 2005, as Sydney has hosted the event for the past two decades. Smith, who had anticipated returning to Melbourne all year, expressed his dismay at the deviation from the expected firm and fast sandbelt conditions.
Despite his critiques, Smith expressed his desire for the Australian Open to remain in Melbourne permanently, emphasizing its significance as the home of Australian golf and praising the quality of Melbourne’s golf courses.
Performance and Expectations
Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, is participating in his fourth tournament of the Australian summer series. Despite solid performances in previous events, he aims to secure victory at the Australian Open. Playing alongside recent Australian PGA champion Elvis Smylie, Smith is hopeful that his game will peak during the tournament.
Future of Australian Golf
Reflecting on the potential of rotating the event among multiple Melbourne courses, Smith highlighted the excellence of the city’s golf venues. He believes that several other courses in Melbourne are deserving of hosting the Australian Open and providing challenging tests for players.
Conclusion
Cameron Smith’s candid criticism of the Australian Open course set-up sheds light on the importance of maintaining the traditional characteristics of Melbourne’s renowned golf courses. As a top golfer, his insights carry weight in shaping the future of Australian golf tournaments.
FAQ
What are Cameron Smith’s concerns about the Australian Open course set-up?
- Smith is disappointed by the soft and slow conditions, which he believes deviate from the traditional firm and fast sandbelt playing style.
- He criticizes the organisers for adopting an American-style target golf approach, which he feels does not align with the essence of Australian golf.
How does Smith envision the future of the Australian Open in Melbourne?
- Smith advocates for the permanent presence of the Australian Open in Melbourne, emphasizing the city’s status as the hub of Australian golf.
- He suggests a rotational system among multiple Melbourne courses to showcase the diverse and challenging golfing experiences the city has to offer.