Cameron Smith’s struggles continued at the Australian PGA Championship, where he missed the cut for the seventh consecutive tournament. The three-time champion recorded a disappointing four-over-par 75 on the second day, leaving him well below the cut line at Royal Queensland Golf Club on March 15, 2024.
Smith started his round on the projected cut line at two under par but quickly faltered. Despite early opportunities for birdies, he left the ball on the lip of the cup on two occasions. A bogey on the 11th hole marked the beginning of his decline, as he missed par putts on the 13th and 14th holes. Although he managed to make an eight-foot birdie on the 17th hole, a missed green on the 18th led to a three-putt double bogey, sealing his fate for the weekend.
The leaderboard was led by strong performances from several players, including early clubhouse leader Brett Rankin, who finished the day at nine under par. Rankin, despite a double bogey on his penultimate hole, was joined by Min Woo Lee, the 2023 champion, who finished one shot back after a solid round with six birdies. Other notable competitors included Kazuma Kobori, Wenyi Ding, and Anthony Quayle, all of whom were in contention at nine under.
While Smith faced one of his most challenging days as a professional, the tournament saw a mix of performances. Cameron Davis and Marc Leishman both showcased their skills, with Leishman notably chipping in for an eagle from the seventh bunker. He expressed his commitment to remaining bold in his approach, stating, “We’re golfers and entertainers, and I really enjoy entertaining.”
Smith’s recent form has been a stark contrast to his past successes. After a difficult outing in 2023, where he finished with a seven-over-par 78, he returned the following year to finish as runner-up. However, this season has proven challenging, as he has become the only player to miss the cut at all four majors. With a winless streak approaching two-and-a-half years, the former world No. 2 faces mounting pressure ahead of next week’s Australian Open.
As the tournament progresses, the leaderboard continues to shift, with players like Adam Scott also in striking distance at six under par. The competition remains fierce, and for Smith, the road ahead will require resilience and a return to form to reclaim his status among the top competitors in the sport.
