Cameron Smith’s coach reflects on Open win and looks towards world number one ranking – صحيفة الصوت

After an outstanding win at The Open Cameron Smith’s coach believes the Australian golfer can become world number one. 

Grant Field returned to Australia on Wednesday after being alongside Smith during his win at The Open at St Andrews earlier this week, making six birdies on the back nine to come from behind to win.

Field said it had been an incredible 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 became more real we headed up to the 18th green.

“When he putted out and it was only Rory (McIlroy) to come in, and when Rory’s ball didn’t find the cup for an eagle on the last we all went nuts.

Field said it had been important to reconnect with Smith and spend time with the number two face-to-face the week before The Open.

“We had done a bit of maintenance work as I hadn’t seen Cam for a long time,” he said.

“During the third round he didn’t putt as well as he would’ve liked so we spent time going through why that happened and it’s often the environment that causes those things, but he was able to adjust and the rest was history.”

Focusing on the road to number one

Field said their team approach was to always get better no matter what Smith’s ranking in the world is.

“He’s number two in the world and you would be naive to think he doesn’t want to be number one, but I think we need to be careful to not be distracted by that and get to focusing on what will actually get him to number one.”

Smith will take a few weeks off before making his run at the PGA Tour championship, where he sits second in the rankings behind American Scottie Scheffler. 

Smith will also represent the International team during September’s President’s Cup.

Will Smith go to LIV Golf?

When asked about recent rumours surrounding $150 million offers to play in the Greg Norman-led LIV Golf tour, Field said most players at Smith’s levels have had offers made.

“He hasn’t made any decisions,” he said.

“As far as the numbers go, I wouldn’t have a clue as that’s for management to decide.

“I’m sure there’s an offer and there have been ridiculous numbers being thrown around with all sorts of players.

“I just help him hit the ball better.”

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He believes the PGA Tour and LIV Golf need to merge for the sake of the game.

“Unfortunately, I think there’s a fair bit of ego amongst the groups that are running things and no-one wants to be the second tier but I think for the good of golf they’ll have to come together.”

Field said Smith plans to be back in Queensland by the end of the year to play the Australian summer.

“He’s itching to come home as it’s been nearly three years and he made a fair few comments about wanting to get home as soon as he can.”