IT'S HARD TO FATHOM MY NAME'S ON THE CLARET JUG

Cameron Smith tells Garrett Johnston about his triumph at St Andrews and the eventful year that's followed

- Cameron Smith

For Cameron Smith, there will probably never be another year like 2022. The likeable yet unassuming Aussie vaulted himself to stardom with victories in two of the game's biggest events - the Players Championship and The Open - before making the controversial switch to LIV Golf, the breakaway circuit fronted by his countryman Greg Norman and financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). It was a decision that sent another major ripple through the game, but it wasn't one he took lightly.

He faced backlash and criticism and was suspended from the PGA Tour, which took a hardline stance against the Saudi presence in professional golf. It was a risk that brought about uncertainty; uncertainty that now exists in another form after PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan sensationally announced a merger with the PIF that seems to leave the future of LIV Golf hanging in the balance.

Whatever happens, though, nothing can erase 2022 from golf’s history books, nor Smith’s name from a Claret Jug won so thrillingly on a dramatic Sunday in St Andrews. We caught up with him to discuss that afternoon at the Home of Golf and the highs and lows of his first 12 months as a LIV Golf player.

Can you believe it’s been nearly a year since you won The Open at St Andrews?

Yeah, it’s crazy. Time flies I guess. It’s been a good year I think. My golf is starting to feel a bit nicer now than it did at the start of the year, which is good. I’m heading into the time of the year where I’ll have to defend my trophy at The Open. I’m looking forward to getting back there to Liverpool this year and giving it a good crack.

What stands out from that final day?