Australian golfer Cameron Smith has admitted he has ‘mixed emotions’ following his LIV Golf London victory.
The 29-year-old received a whopping $4million (£3.1million) for his win in the capital, marking his first victory of 2023 before his Open title defence later in July.
3
3
But despite the healthy pay day and victory, Smith’s mind was elsewhere when he spoke to the press at the Centurion Club on Sunday.
“Obviously thrilled about the individual win, but it would’ve been nice to get up there with the boys,” he admitted.
“It’s a bit of mixed emotions at the moment.”
Despite going into the final day with a three-stroke lead, Smith shot a three-under 68 to finish on 15 under on Sunday after surviving a final-hole bogey.
This enabled last year’s Open winner to finish a shot ahead of Ripper GC teammate Marc Leishman’s 66 and former Masters champion Patrick Reed 65.
Despite securing victory for himself, Smith was evidently gutted that he, Leishman and fellow Australian Jediah Morgan missed out on the team prize thanks to a late comeback from the 4Aces – Reed, Dustin Johnson and Pat Perez.
However teammate Leishman still hailed Smith after his win, saying: “I really wanted Cam to make the one on the last there. He played great and putted great all week.
3
“To win the tournament and still walk off the green disappointed, I guess that’s what this is all about, the team format.”
Smith missed a par putt on the 18th green, allowing Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces to take the team title.
And even Perez admitted he was surprised by the Australian’s gaffe.
“Cam hasn’t missed one of those in his life, so I’m pretty shocked,” he said.
Despite being disappointed by missing out on the team prize, Smith will now be focusing on keeping hold of his Open title.
The British championship is set to kick off at Royal Liverpool Golf Course next Thursday.