In the world of golf, where consistency and precision reign supreme, Cameron Smith's recent surge at the PGA Championship has sparked intrigue and raised eyebrows. This unexpected resurgence comes after a two-year period that saw him miss the cut in six consecutive majors, a stark contrast to his 2022 British Open triumph and former world number two ranking.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing of Smith's decision to part ways with his long-time coach, Grant Field. The split, described by Smith as a "terrible conversation," came after a disappointing Masters performance last month. It's a bold move that has paid off handsomely, with Smith's immediate success underlining the potential benefits of such a change.
Smith's game has been characterized by a brilliant short game, a skill he showcased on Saturday with just 28 putts. Despite finding only six fairways, his scrambling abilities kept him in contention. A burst of four birdies in five holes around the turn demonstrated his ability to seize opportunities, even if he fell just short on the par-3 14th.
In my opinion, the key to Smith's success lies in his ability to adapt and make bold decisions. The move to work with Claude Harmon III, the son of renowned swing guru Butch Harmon, suggests a willingness to embrace new ideas and techniques. This change-up has clearly had an impact, with Smith's performance this week a testament to the potential rewards of taking such risks.
Fellow Australian Min Woo Lee also finds himself in the mix, despite a rollercoaster third round. Lee's round featured a mix of birdies and bogeys, including a disastrous double-bogey on the par-5 ninth. However, he fought back with birdies on 14 and 18 to stay in contention.
The story of Jason Day, the 2015 champion, is a different tale. Day's hopes of a second Wanamaker Trophy were dashed with a disappointing third round, including a double-bogey on the treacherous 10th hole. He now finds himself a distant 10 strokes behind the leader.
As we head into the final round, the focus will be on Smith and Lee, who are just four shots behind surprise leader Alex Smalley. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion, and the question remains: Can Smith's resurgence continue, or will the pressure of championship Sunday prove too much?
One thing is certain: Golf's sleeping giant is wide awake, and the sport is all the more exciting for it.
