LOS ANGELES - Like many of us, Cameron Smith was initially shocked by the news that the PGA Tour would be partnering with Public Investment Fund to form a global golf entity.
Smith said that at first, he thought the announcement was a joke. Then (PIF Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan), called me and explained the situation.
Al-Rumayyan is often called His Excellency or H.E. Smith made a brief and sweet phone call around 10 minutes prior to his interview with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan last Tuesday on CNBC, but details were sparse.
"He didn't explain much." Smith said, "I think there are still many things to be worked out and we will learn more as time passes." "But I think there are a lot curious players on both sides about what the future will look like."
It's a huge understatement.
The shocking news has sent shockwaves throughout the golfing world. It will be the main topic of conversation for the first few days here in L.A. The first round of the RBC Canadian Open will start on Thursday, and just like last week, golf will dominate the scene.
U.S. OPEN: How can I watch the action?
Smith was surprised by the layout of the course after a "pretty comfortable flight" over. The LACC course this week may not be as thick with the signature USGA rough, which players and fans are used to.
"It is a bit different here." Smith explained that the Bermuda rough can be a bit of a gamble. There are patches that you can hit a poor shot on and get away with it, and there are patches that you cannot. "I think that's different."
"I'm sure there are many shots that you have to almost work the ball up the hill. He added, "It's a great challenge." "But Bermuda rough is definitely different," he said. We usually play in the northeast, and we get that dense wet rough.
Smith could benefit from this week's events. The former world no. After a season in 2022 that included wins at the Players Championship and Open Championship, both at St. Andrews, the former world No. The 29-year old Australian is a top-notch player who is always up to the challenge, but his U.S. Open history is not something to brag about back home in Brisbane. Smith, who finished T-4 at his first U.S. Open in 2015, has since had finishes of T-59 (cut), T-72 (cut), T-38 (cut), cut and cut. He does, however, have six top-10 results, including three from the Masters.
"I would like to think that my best golf is played on tough golf courses." I'm aware that my U.S. Open records aren't great. The driver is the club that has caused me the most trouble at the U.S. Open, and possibly the PGA or U.S. PGA. Smith explained that you have to drive the golf ball strongly. Smith said, "I believe that's when a golf event can get away from you, but I'm starting to feel good with the driver, and there are a few chances around here to make a birdie, so I'm thinking that falls into my hand a little."
Smith, the USGA Champion Golfer of Year and winner of the flagship USGA championship was initially stumped by the question. He then filled the room in laughter when he replied that one was based in the U.S. while the other was based in the UK.
The courses are set up differently for sure. "I think the USGA has been thinking about par as the winning score for quite some time. It's a tough test," he added. "I personally love a course that is really challenging, but I can still shoot 5- or 6-under-par and I think the winning score of 10- to 15 under is really good."
Smith may just get what he wants, as the weather forecast is for little or no rain this week.
By: Adam Woodard
Title: Cameron Smith dishes on PGA Tour-Saudi Arabia news, explains why he's a good fit for a different test at the 2023 U.S Open
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/06/12/liv-golf-cameron-smith-2023-us-open-pga-tour-saudi/
Published Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2023 23:32:54 +0000
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