Cam Smith has been the first to admit it: 2025 has not been his year.
Look no further than his top record: MC, MC, MC, MC. In fact, Smith entered this week’s Australian Open without a single cut in seven attempts this year. He spoke at length afterwards Last week’s Australian PGA for feeling lost and confused.
But Royal Melbourne has brought out the best in him.
All week, we’ve heard pros rave about the host course, considered one of the best in the world. But when you haven’t visited a course in person, it’s always interesting to try to get away from the TV, from the reviews, from the expert ratings – what makes a great golf course great?
I found Smith’s response particularly illuminating.
Smith was brilliant as a second-round 65 pulled him within striking distance of the lead.
“I think that’s what I needed mate, to be honest, it was a small moment,” he told his interviewer after the round. What, the interviewer asked, was the best part of his game?
“I don’t think I’ve shaped the ball like that in a very long time,” Smith said. “I think it takes a good golf course for me to commit to that. You go into some soft golf courses and it’s just a target type of golf and that’s definitely not the case here, I think you’ve got to wind some shots and fly it up into the wind to get close to the pins (on others), you’ve got to be creative, you’ve got to hit the tee shots and I was able to especially with those.”
What is fascinating about this answer is the implication that a good golf course can beget good golf. Smith’s alternative—soft golf courses—make for less memorable golf shots. For a creative guy like Smith, his best chance to fight is when everyone has to play overtime.
Smith further explained his change of mindset; he said that instead of tripping over his figurative leg, he’s been trying to stay ahead.
Smith backed up that round with a third-round 66 and sits tied for second entering Sunday’s final round. He raged again for Royal Melbourne after round three.
“You just have to hit the right shots. It’s such a cool golf course,” he said. “There are so many ways on so many holes to approach the pins, you can really get as creative as you want or hit it straight into the middle of the green all day; it’s such a cool place.”
This has been my experience watching on television; The Australian Open has been a great overnight option for anyone on Pacific Time. Two factors – the appearance of Rory McIlroy and Royal Melbourne as the host course – have drawn attention and drama to the event. The Aussie stars have taken things from there; Smith, Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee all enter the final round within the top six. (McIlroy is simply out of contention.)
