Australian Open: Cameron Smith’s near miss earns British Open berth

Cameron Smith came from nowhere to force his way into a playoff at the Australian Open yesterday.

Cameron Smith plays out of a bunker on the 18th hole at Royal Sydney yesterday.

Cameron Smith came from nowhere to force his way into a playoff at the Australian Open yesterday. If you listen to his coach Grant Field, it won’t be the last time the young Queenslander threatens the leaderboard at the national championship.

In a tournament that was very much about the emerging young Australians, Smith was somewhat overlooked as the amateurs took centre stage. Yet at the pointy end of the tournament, the 23-year-old was the last youngster standing as he found his way into a playoff with former world No 1 Jordan Spieth and Victorian veteran Ashley Hall.

Smith ultimately had to be content with a share of second place, albeit with the consolation prize of a place at next year’s British Open. Not a bad week’s work when you consider he arrived in Sydney only on Wednesday morning, having flown from the US PGA Tour event in Mexico to pursue a maiden Open title. “I couldn’t be more proud of him, to be honest,” Field said.

“I think he did amazing. If you get beaten by a birdie by one of the best players in the world, you haven’t done too bad. He is starting to prove he is a world-class player.

“I know how good he is. I have seen him for a long, long time. The reality is he could have stayed in America and played. He didn’t. It shows how much it means to him.

“It will just keep happening more and more. That was one of the goals coming back — to try to get in the British Open. He will continue to get better. It’s definitely not the last time he’s going to do that, that’s for sure.”

Hall also won a spot in next year’s British Open at Royal Birkdale, as did two-time Australian Open champion Aaron Baddeley. Hall was ready to start looking for regular employment but those plans may be put on hold as he prepares for an Open championship he never saw coming.

“I haven’t been playing well lately, so it sits pretty good,” Hall said. “I was pretty close to getting a job next year. I might not do that now.

“I’ve got some important tournaments to play next year, one in particular in July. Anyhow, I’ve played Birkdale a few times.”