It doesn't take long for a golfer to become unwell.
Just ask Cameron Smith, who finished the second round of the Australian Open on Friday with a total of 11 under par after nine holes. He entered the mix squarely, taking pole position with fellow Australian Lucas Herbert jockeying him.
But Smith wreaked havoc on the back nine, posting a 5-over 41 with three bogeys on the 10th, 12th and 15th and a double bogey on the par-4 16th. The stumble came after officials warned Smith's group for slow play.
“We got some time there, but it didn't seem like we were playing that slow, it just felt like we were rushing it,” Smith said. Associated Press.
“I think I made some really bad choices mentally that led to some bogeys. You get on the train in that wind and it's not a good place to be.”
The strong winds that began to blow across the sandbelt were no problem, and many athletes continued to struggle as the day continued. But anxiety about being on time made Smith's situation even worse.
He finished the day at 6 under par and now has an 8-stroke lead over Herbert, who holds a commanding 4-stroke lead after 36 holes.
But Smith is no stranger to making strong comebacks. Look no further than the 2022 British Open Championship at St. Andrews, where Smith produced one of the best final rounds in championship history. He started Sunday's final round four shots behind, but posted eight birdies and a 64 to snatch the Claret Jug from the likes of Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland. On this day, Smith relied heavily on his putter to win his first major.
Perhaps a similar wave will occur in his hometown this week.
Herbert, who plays with Smith on the same LIV golf team, expects exactly that from Smith.
“I'm looking forward to it. [Smith] To escape,” Herbert said.
“I can't shoot 72-72 this weekend and expect to win this golf tournament. There's still a lot of work to do.”
All of Australia, and indeed the golf world, would agree with Herbert's assessment given Smith's talent as a world-class player. But if he gets another warning for slow play, that may no longer be possible. But only time will tell.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
