Cameron Smith has criticized the course conditions for this week’s Australian Open, noting that the layouts at Kingston Heath Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne are unusually soft and slow. Despite recent heavy rain in the area, Smith believes that the courses have been intentionally set up differently for the tournament. He expressed disappointment at the departure from the firm and fast playing conditions typically associated with the Melbourne Sandbelt.
In his pre-tournament press conference, Smith expressed his surprise at the changes in course setup, stating that the courses are not playing as they are designed to. He mentioned the excitement he felt about playing on firm and fast Sandbelt courses, only to find that they resemble more of an American style of target golf. Smith and his Ripper GC teammates had been looking forward to the unique challenges that firm and fast courses present.
Smith shared his experiences from previous competitions in south-east Australia, highlighting the stark differences in playing style compared to American layouts. He recalled playing at Kingston Heath in the 2013 Aussie Masters, where he had to adjust his approach due to the firm and fast conditions. Smith emphasized the need to create spin and execute precise shots to get close to pins on such courses.
Recent heavy rain in Melbourne has impacted the Australian Open preparations, leading to delays and cancellations during the pro-am event. While the weather has caused soft and slow conditions, Smith dismissed it as an excuse, insisting that the courses have been intentionally prepared in their current state. Despite the challenging conditions, Smith remains focused on competing for his first Australian Open title.
Smith will kick off his tournament alongside fellow competitors Elvis Smylie and Victor Perez. The group will tackle Victoria GC before moving on to Kingston Heath for the following rounds. As deals season approaches, golf enthusiasts can look forward to the best Black Friday golf deals curated by experts to enhance their game.
