After an outstanding Open win, Cameron Smith’s coach believes the Australian golfer can become world number one.
Key points:
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Coach Grant Field says the number one ranking is within Cameron Smith’s reach
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Smith is taking a few weeks off after winning the Open at St Andrews
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Field believes the US PGA Tour and LIV Golf should merge for the sake of the players
Grant Field returned to Australia on Wednesday after being at Smith’s side during his victory at the St Andrews Open earlier this week, making six birdies on the back nine to come from behind to win.
Field said it had been amazing to be there to see Smith achieve “such an amazing feat”.
“It was something I can’t even describe,” he told ABC Radio Brisbane.
“Going into the last round he had a chance to win and when the back nine started to unfold and it got more real, we went up to the 18th green.
“When he went out and it was just Rory (McIlroy) to go in, and when Rory’s ball didn’t find the cup for an eagle at the last, we all went crazy.
“It was amazing to see him achieve such an amazing feat. It will be something I never forget.”
Coach Grant Field (third from left) with Cameron Smith after winning the Open. (Instagram: Grant Field Golf)
Field said it had been important to reconnect with Smith and spend face-to-face time with the number two in the week leading up to the Open.
“We’ve done some maintenance work since I haven’t seen Cam in a while,” he said.
“During the third round he didn’t putt as well as he would have liked, so we spent some time looking at why that happened and it’s often the environment that causes these things, but he was able to adjust and the rest went be history”.
Focusing on the road to number one
Field said his team approach was to always improve, regardless of Smith’s world ranking.
“He’s always trying to get better and I think that’s always going to be his focus,” he said.
“He’s world number two and it would be naïve to think he doesn’t want to be number one, but I think we have to be careful not to get distracted by that and focus on what will actually get him to number one. one”.
Smith will take a few weeks off before making his run at the PGA Tour Championship, where he is ranked second behind American Scottie Scheffler.
Smith will also represent the international team during the President’s Cup in September.
Will Smith go to LIV Golf?
When asked about recent rumors of $150 million offers to play on the Greg Norman-led LIV Golf Tour, Field said most players at Smith’s level have had offers.
“He hasn’t made a decision,” he said.
“As for the numbers, I would have no idea as that is for the management to decide.
“I’m sure there is an offer and there have been ridiculous numbers with all kinds of players.
“I just help him hit the ball better.”
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He believes the PGA Tour and LIV Golf should merge for the good of the game.
“The more players they sign, the more I think it’s going to have to merge, because I don’t think the game wants to divide its best players,” Field said.
“Unfortunately, I think there’s a bit of ego amongst the groups running things and nobody wants to be second tier, but I think for the good of golf they’re going to have to come together.”
Field said Smith plans to return to Queensland later this year to play out the Australian summer.
“He’s looking forward to coming home as it’s been almost three years and he made a few comments about wanting to come home as soon as he can.”