There’s not a day goes by when champion Aussie golfer Cam Smith is not reminded of the events of July, 2022 at St. Andrews.
The then 28-year-old super-proud Australian produced one of the great final rounds in the historic 150th hosting Open Championship history, a sensational eight-under 64, to edge out playing partner Cameron Young by a shot and former Open champ Rory McIlroy by two on the famed Old Course at the Home of Golf.
“It’s always nice be back in St. Andrews as it’s forever a special place in the golfing world”, said Smith ahead of this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
“It was also nice again of Johann (Rupert) to extend an invitation to tee-up as I’ve always looked forward to contesting the Dunhill Links.
NOT A DAY GOES BY ADMITS @camsmith9 @rippergc_ ..
That the proud Aussie is reminded of his 2022 stunning 1⃣5⃣0⃣ @TheOpen victory @TheHomeofGolf
“There is not a day goes past when I’m back on home and that I look at the Claret Jug as it’s a constant reminder of what I… pic.twitter.com/2Rlrmdiu3F
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) October 2, 2026
“The weather was a bit iffy last year but it’s been glorious so far this week and three host courses looking superb”.
Indeed, Smith returns to the Home of Golf having played just five rounds of the famed Old Course – four in capturing the historic 15oth Open in 2022 and one in missing the third round cut last year’s Dunhill Links.
The proud Aussie turned pro in 2013 but it was not till 2017 that he made his Open Championship at Royal Birkdale before arriving a first St. Andrews Open appearance five years later, and on the back of a share of third earlier in 2022 at The Masters.
Now after this week’s 25th anniversary hosting of the Dunhill Links he’ll be back in some 10 months time as the defending St. Andrews Open champion.
“Yeah, I can’t wait”, he said,
“It’s going to be such a special year for me next year coming back to St. Andrews as a St. Andrews Open Champion.
“I really can’t believe it’s been well over four years since I won the Claret Jug, and mentioning the Claret Jug, there is not a day goes past when I’m back on home and that I look at the Claret Jug as it’s a constant reminder of what I achieved here back in ’22.
“What I really need to do is win another one (smiling). Though I’d be happy accepting any of the other championship trophies maybe even the Rodman Wanamaker trophy, a US Open trophy or a green jacket would go well.
“Really, I’d take anything”.
The 12-time pro winning Smith is this week contesting an 18th tournament of the year, a dozen of those on the LIV Tour and enjoying five top-10s plus the four majors and capped by his T7th in the PGA Championshiip though disappointingly missing the weekend rounds in the other three majors.
This week is also Smith’s second straight DP World Tour start of 2026 but after a MC in last week’s FedEx Open de France.
“I feel as though I have played much better than my results will show”, he said.
“I enjoyed a few nice touranments but the year just hasn’t been consistent enough but saying that, as everything is feeling good”.
Following the Dunhill, Smith’s excited also to be returning home to Australia for the BMW Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes course in Sydney and the following week’s Australian Open at Kingston Heath in Melbourne.
“Yes, looking foreward to getting back to Australia, and the good thing in looking ahead to the two events is that I don’t have anywhere else to play,” said Smith.
“It’s a bit of a bummer there’s no tournament in Queensland as I’ve always enjoyed it so much being back home playing in front of family and friends”, he said.
“It will be a little bit different this year but then Sydney is always a great spot, so look forward to The Lakes while any time you play Kingston Heath is special.”
