Cameron Smith is preparing to pursue a first career Masters title this week and has already caught the eye with an unconventional fashion choice during practice. The Australian, who currently plays on the LIV Golf League, has plummeted down the world rankings since his decision to do so but is still dreaming of donning the famous green jacket at Augusta National.
Ahead of the action teeing off in the opening round on Thursday, Smith caused an online stir as he took to the course for his warm-ups. The 2022 Open Championship winner sported a navy blue suit jacket and a red cap as he got into the groove on the practice range, sparking disbelief in some corners of the golf world. Smith’s choice of attire has prompted criticism from some, while others are convinced he was expressing his dream of switching his navy blue jacket for a green one on Sunday.
The 31-year-old rose as high as the world No. 2 after outclassing Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy to clinch his first and only major title at the 150th Open Championship in July 2022.
He shot a final-round 64 at the Old Course at St Andrews, marking his arrival among the PGA Tour’s elites, but made the switch to LIV Golf the following month.
Smith is among 12 LIV Golf players competing at this year’s Masters, seven of which are previous champions.
He could become the first LIV golfer to claim the green jacket since the controversial league’s inception three years ago.
And while Smith hasn’t maintained his level of peak performance that earned him that major triumph since switching tours, he has made no secret of his Masters dream.
Ahead of the tournament, he explained: “I haven’t thought about that [being fitted with a green jacket]. I desperately want to win one, and I think it would be the best one yet.”
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who won by four shots last year, is vying to become the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods.
The world No 1 is the favourite to clinch a third major victory in four years ahead of McIlroy, who is eyeing the only missing major in his ambitions for a career Grand Slam.
McIlroy is the only two-time champion on the PGA Tour this season and will fancy his chances against the American.
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg make up the world’s top five and should all be in the title picture.
