Cam Smith keeps local interest alive in Adelaide
Cam Smith – photo Chris Trotman LIV Golf
Cameron Smith might not necessarily be in genuine contention to win the first LIV Golf event held in Australia, but, by putting together a fine second round of 66 at The Grange Golf Club today, he has kept open the chances of a very high finish and provided the huge crowds who have flocked to Adelaide, patriotic interest until the completion of the event tomorrow.
Smith is in a share of 8th place and although a massive 11 shots behind the runaway leader, Talor Gooch, he is just one shot out of a six-way share of 2nd place second and a strong finishing round tomorrow could well seem in claim a very creditable runner-up finish and give local fans even more to shout for.
Smith began his day with a bogey at the 4th hole in the shotgun format but recovered quickly with four birdies in his next four five holes before adding three more later in his round as he progressed up the leaderboard.
When asked after his round re the contrast between the opening day’s atmosphere at the Grange and that of today Smith responded; ‘I think it was much the same, to be honest. I think for me, I tried to kind of embrace the crowd a little bit more. I think yesterday I was maybe trying to maybe focus a little bit too much on the golf and trying to make stuff happen. I think I was a little bit more relaxed today, and yeah, it worked out.’
Smith was also asked how he would handle an eleven shot deficit tomorrow? “I feel as though I’ve got the place pretty sorted in regards to how to play it. I think there is a really low number out there. I think I shot 6-under today, and I can think of three or four off the top of my head that could have been better.
“Yeah, I think obviously Talor is playing some really good golf at the moment. I think he would have to help us out a little bit, which I don’t really wish on anyone, but I’m going to go out there tomorrow and play the same way as I did today. I feel as though I hit lots of quality shots, just a few more of those 10-footers need to go in.
As to how he felt the week was going from the point of view of the event itself Smith said; “I didn’t think it was going to quite be like this. I think the course being presented how it is, all the players love it. The crowds are so energetic. Probably the most energetic crowd I’ve ever played in.
“I mean, I would go as far as to say this is best event I’ve ever played. I think I’m probably biased a little bit being from Australia, but this is what LIV Golf is about, and this is what we need every week.”
Marc Leishman is the next best of the Australians in a share of 35th place, Matt Jones 44th and Jed Morgan 46th in the 48 man field.
The Australian team known as The Ripper GC is in last place in the 12 team side of the event, that contest headed by a team consisting of Talor Gooch, Harold Varner 111, Bubba Watson and Thomas Pieters.