Cameron Smith: The Mullet-Sporting Open Champion and Australian Star
Cameron Smith made history at the 150th Open Championship with a record-breaking performance at St Andrews. Discover how the Australian's iconic final round and exceptional short game cemented his place in golf history.
Cameron Smith's triumph at the 150th Open Championship represents one of the most remarkable victories in recent major championship history. The Australian's record-breaking performance at St Andrews in July 2022 announced him as one of golf's premier talents and established a new benchmark for excellence at the Old Course.
Historic Victory at St Andrews
Smith's Open Championship victory was a masterclass in pressure golf. Starting the final round four shots behind the leaders, he produced a stunning 64—the lowest final round by a champion in the 30 times the Championship has been contested at St Andrews. His 20-under total of 268 set a new record for the Old Course and matched the lowest score to par in major championship history.
The defining sequence came on the back nine, where Smith reeled off five consecutive birdies from holes 10 through 14. This extraordinary run, combined with a back-nine 30—the lowest ever by a major champion in a final round—turned what seemed like Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy's tournament into Smith's coronation.
Smith finished one shot ahead of Cameron Young, with McIlroy and Viktor Hovland sharing third place two shots back. The victory made Smith the fifth Australian to hoist the Claret Jug and the first since Greg Norman in 1993.
Second Australian to Conquer the Old Course
Smith's victory carried deep historical significance for Australian golf. He became only the second Australian to win the Open Championship at St Andrews, following Kel Nagle's triumph in 1960 when he defeated a young Arnold Palmer. This 62-year gap between Australian victories at the Old Course underscored the magnitude of Smith's achievement.
The Australian connection to St Andrews now features two contrasting eras—Nagle's victory in golf's amateur age and Smith's in the modern professional era, each representing the pinnacle of Australian golf in their respective times.
The Short Game Wizard
Smith's exceptional short game has long been recognized as among the best in professional golf. His putting stroke, particularly on fast, undulating greens like those at St Andrews, is remarkably consistent. Statistics show Smith regularly ranks in the top tier for strokes gained putting and scrambling ability.
This skill set proved decisive at the Open Championship. His ability to navigate the tricky run-offs and bunkers around St Andrews' greens, combined with his fearless putting on the lightning-fast surfaces, separated him from the field when it mattered most. The iconic up-and-down from the Road Hole bunker at the 17th hole in the final round exemplified his scrambling prowess under extreme pressure.
Cultural Icon and Personality
Beyond his golf, Smith has become a cultural icon in the sport. His distinctive mullet hairstyle and handlebar mustache have made him instantly recognizable, while his laid-back Australian personality has endeared him to fans worldwide. Smith's refusal to conform to golf's traditional conservative image represents a refreshing authenticity in professional golf.
His celebration with the Claret Jug—complete with his signature look—became one of the most memorable images in recent Open Championship history, symbolizing a new generation of golfers comfortable expressing their individuality.
Presidents Cup Excellence
Smith's Presidents Cup record, though limited to the 2019 event before his move to LIV Golf, showcased his ability to perform in team match play. In his debut at Royal Melbourne, he registered a 1-1-1 record, including a crucial singles victory over then-world number four Justin Thomas by 2&1.
His short game and scrambling ability make him particularly dangerous in match play formats. The capacity to manufacture birdies from difficult positions and save par when out of position gives Smith an edge in the head-to-head competition that defines the Presidents Cup.
Unfortunately, Smith's move to LIV Golf in August 2022, just weeks after his Open Championship triumph, made him ineligible for future Presidents Cup appearances under current eligibility rules. This represents a significant loss for the International Team, as his major championship pedigree and match play skills would be invaluable assets.
The LIV Golf Chapter
Smith's decision to join LIV Golf came as a surprise to many, arriving shortly after his Open Championship victory when he was at the peak of his PGA Tour powers. The reported $100+ million contract made him one of LIV Golf's marquee signings and its highest-profile major champion at the time.
As captain of Ripper GC, LIV Golf's all-Australian team featuring Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, and Matt Jones, Smith has found success in the team format. Ripper GC won the 2024 LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas, adding a team title to Smith's individual accomplishments.
However, Smith's individual performance in major championships has declined since joining LIV Golf. In 2025, he missed the cut in all four majors—a concerning trend for a player of his caliber. Despite these struggles, Smith has expressed no regrets about his decision, calling it "the best decision of my life" in interviews.
Technical Excellence
Smith's golf swing is characterized by its simplicity and repeatability. His compact, rotational motion generates surprising power for his 5'11" frame, while his exceptional tempo and rhythm allow him to maintain control under pressure.
His iron play, particularly with mid-to-short irons, is remarkably precise. The ability to flight the ball both ways and control trajectory gives him versatility in different conditions—a crucial skill that served him well on St Andrews' wind-swept fairways.
The 2022 Season: A Career Year
While the Open Championship represented the pinnacle, Smith's entire 2022 season on the PGA Tour was exceptional. He also captured The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in March 2022, defeating Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri in a playoff. The Players Championship, often called the "fifth major," combined with the Open Championship made 2022 a season for the ages.
Smith's consistent contention throughout the year—including multiple top-10 finishes in PGA Tour events—demonstrated his evolution from talented player to genuine world-class competitor.
Looking Forward
At 31 years old in 2025, Smith still has many competitive years ahead. His motivation remains high despite the major championship struggles, with Smith publicly stating his determination to return to peak form and challenge for more majors.
The question for Smith is whether he can rediscover his best golf while playing the LIV Golf schedule, which offers fewer competitive rounds against the world's best players compared to the PGA Tour. His 2022 Open Championship victory proved he possesses the talent to win golf's biggest prizes—the challenge now is demonstrating he can do it again.
Legacy and Impact
Cameron Smith's Open Championship victory at St Andrews will forever hold a special place in golf history. As the champion of the 150th Championship at the sport's spiritual home, his name joins an illustrious list that includes Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, and other legends who've conquered the Old Course.
For Australian golf, Smith represents the continuation of a proud major championship tradition that includes Thomson, Nagle, and Norman. His success has inspired a new generation of Australian golfers and maintained the country's reputation as a producer of world-class talent.
Whether Smith's legacy will be defined solely by his 2022 heroics or expanded through future major championships remains to be seen. What's certain is that his performance at St Andrews—with five consecutive birdies, a back-nine 30, and a record-tying 20-under total—set a standard of excellence that will be remembered for generations.
The mullet-sporting Australian proved that authenticity, skill, and nerves of steel remain the recipe for success at golf's oldest and most prestigious championship. His place in Open Championship lore is secure, forever linked to St Andrews and that magical Sunday in July 2022.