Cameron Smith could miss Paris Olympics amid rankings slide

Cameron Smith has two Australian events this summer to gain world ranking points that could be crucial for a spot at the Paris Olympics.

Cameron Smith may not get the chance to play at a second Olympic Games. Picture: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Cameron Smith fears the ongoing fight for LIV players to gain world ranking points could cost him a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite two LIV wins in 2023, and two top-10 finishes in the majors, Smith has joined his fellow LIV rebels in a rankings slide and dropped to No.11 from as high as No.2, which he reached after his British Open win in 2022.

Projections from ranking specialists have Smith slipping outside the world’s top 60 by July next year, which would mean he misses the chance to be a dual Olympian after teaming up with LIV teammate Marc Leishman in Tokyo in 2020.

If the spots were handed out now, Smith would be playing with Jason Day, who has jumped to world No.22. Adam Scott is next best at 40.

Smith, who will return to Australia this summer, with his efforts at both the Australian Open and PGA crucial chances to add more points, said it was something weighing heavily on him.

“I don’t think I have looked at the rankings, but it’s something I am conscious of,” Smith said from his home in Florida.

“A lot of the other boys in LIV have slid pretty dramatically (on the rankings). I don’t know what it would take for me to make it, but it’s definitely something I am thinking about.”

Projected #OlympicGolf qualification standings for men's golf #Paris2024, as of 28-Aug-2023 (based on the projected #OWGR for 17 June, 2024)

Olympic 🥇 @XSchauffele back in for #TeamUSA 🇺🇸 @MattFitz94 is the 3rd player for🇬🇧@F_Molinari back in for 🇮🇹@fabrizanotti in for 🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/yU1FyPOdFf

— Nosferatu (@VC606) August 29, 2023

Smith is the only LIV player in the world top 50, with even reigning PGA champion Brooks Koepka falling 14 places in the last week to world No.52.

The impending finalisation of the new arrangement between the PGA Tour and LIV backers the Saudi Public Investment Fund could help the cause of LIV players to gain ranking points, if the breakaway tour even continues.

Smith said he didn’t know what was happening in that space but was hopeful of a resolution to aid his Olympic ambitions.

“We’re going to have to wait and see how everything unfolds,” he said.

“With the Olympics being next year, I don’t know how much longer I will be able to hold on to that spot.

“That’s definitely something in my mind and hopefully they can make it a bit easier for me.”