cameron smith

Cameron Smith: Royal Melbourne Redemption and the Pursuit of the Stonehaven Cup

The world of professional golf is currently captivated by a narrative of resurgence at Royal Melbourne. Cameron Smith, the St Andrews Open champion and LIV Golf star, is back in contention on home soil.

For Australian golf fans, few things are more compelling than watching one of their own contend for national glory at the iconic Royal Melbourne Golf Club. This week, that narrative belongs to Cameron Smith. After a year of struggle and missed cuts, the 31-year-old from Brisbane has roared back into form, putting himself in prime position to claim the Stonehaven Cup at the 2025 Australian Open.

This comprehensive guide covers Smith’s journey to the top of the leaderboard, the context of his challenging season, and the high-stakes drama unfolding on the final day at Royal Melbourne.

The Moment: Smith Seizes Control at Royal Melbourne

As the final round of the 2025 Australian Open heats up, Cameron Smith has firmly announced his return to the winner's circle conversation. According to live coverage from The Age, Smith stormed to the outright lead with eight holes to play, capitalizing on a back-nine surge that has electrified the local crowd.

Having spent the day jostling for the lead with playing partners Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Si Woo Kim, Smith finally gained the upper hand. The decisive moment came at the tenth hole, where a crucial birdie saw him separate from the pack. For fans watching the ESPN live blog, the scenes at Royal Melbourne have been electric, with the "race on for the Stonehaven Cup" taking a distinctly Australian turn.

Smith’s performance this week stands in stark contrast to his recent form. It is a return to the aggressive, creative, and clutch play that saw him break Rory McIlroy’s heart at St Andrews in 2022 and claim the coveted Players Championship.

A Season in the Doldrums: Context of the Struggle

To understand the magnitude of Smith's performance at Royal Melbourne, one must look at the grim context of his 2025 season leading up to this week. Just last week, at the Australian PGA Championship, Smith endured a "hometown horror show." As reported by ESPN, he carded a four-over 75, resulting in his seventh consecutive missed cut in an Official World Golf Ranking event.

This slump is a far cry from the player who lifted the Claret Jug. The statistical reality is stark: Smith has been missing the mark consistently. However, the Australian Open has provided a stage for redemption. Smith has adopted a simple approach this week, focusing on his strengths and the unique challenge that Royal Melbourne presents.

The contrast highlights the volatile nature of professional golf. One week, a player looks devoid of confidence; the next, they are leading a national open. Smith’s ability to flip the switch on the challenging sandbelt layout suggests that the class of 2022 is still very much alive.

The Contenders: A Battle of Attrition

While Smith sits at the summit, the chase pack is formidable. The final round at Royal Melbourne has turned into a thriller, featuring a mix of Australian legends and international stars.

The International Threat

Si Woo Kim, a seasoned PGA Tour winner, has been Smith’s closest rival throughout the day. His steady play poses a significant threat should Smith falter down the stretch. Additionally, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen has been in the mix, ensuring Smith cannot relax for a single hole.

The Aussie Charge

The drama is heightened by the exploits of Australian veterans. Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, has sparked a charge with a "monster" performance, keeping the hopes of a home winner alive. Meanwhile, Min Woo Lee, known for his dynamic play, remains in the hunt. As noted by The Australian, the battle at Royal Melbourne is shaping up to be a gripping contest where every shot counts.

The McIlroy Factor: A Rivalry Reignited?

One of the most intriguing subplots of Smith’s career—and his potential victory this week—is his relationship with Rory McIlroy. Back in 2022, following Smith’s high-profile defection to LIV Golf, McIlroy undertook a lead role in the PGA Tour's fight against the breakaway league. Despite the public tension, McIlroy reportedly called Smith in the days following his Open triumph to encourage him to stay.

While the two did not appear to be paired together this week at Royal Melbourne, the shadow of their rivalry looms large. A victory for Smith in Australia would be a significant statement on the global stage. As The Australian noted in a recent analysis, the "Rory rivalry could spark Smith revival." Smith himself has opened up about his struggles, and a win here would be the perfect answer to his critics.

Beyond the 2025 Open: Who is Cameron Smith?

For those new to the world of Australian golf, or simply looking to understand the hype surrounding Smith, it is worth noting his pedigree.

Career Highlights

As detailed in his Wikipedia profile and PGA Tour stats, Cameron Smith (born August 18, 1993) is a force of nature. He currently plays on the LIV Golf League for Ripper GC, but his resume speaks to a world-class talent: * The Open Championship (2022): His major breakthrough at St Andrews. * The Players Championship (2022): Widely considered golf's unofficial fifth major. * Five PGA Tour victories and multiple wins on the DP World Tour.

Financial Standing and LIV Golf

Smith’s move to LIV Golf was one of the most significant sports stories of 2022. According to reports from EssentiallySports, Smith’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $95 million and $110 million. This figure is bolstered by his massive signing bonus with LIV Golf, reportedly over $100 million, alongside lucrative endorsements and off-course ventures.

Despite the financial security, the competitive drive remains. As highlighted on the LIV Golf official site, Smith is defined by his unique style—a blend of conservative dress (long pants even in the heat) and aggressive, creative shot-making.

The Road Ahead: What a Win Means

As the final holes unfold at Royal Melbourne, the stakes couldn't be higher. For Cameron Smith, a victory at the Australian Open would be more than just another trophy.

1. Redemption: It would erase the memory of seven straight missed cuts and validate his decision to continue playing high-level golf despite the criticism.
2. National Pride: Winning the Stonehaven Cup on home soil is the ultimate goal for any Australian golfer.
3. Momentum: With the LIV Golf season and other majors on the horizon, a win now would provide a massive psychological boost.

Conclusion

The 2025 Australian Open has delivered a narrative that golf fans love: the fallen star rising again. Cameron Smith, once the undisputed best player in the world, has found his rhythm on the cradle of Australian golf.

While the final leaderboard remains uncertain as the day progresses, Smith’s performance at Royal Melbourne has already proven one thing: the "slump" is over. Whether he lifts the Stonehaven Cup or falls just short, the Cameron Smith of old is back, and Australian golf is all the better for it.

Stay tuned to ESPN and The Age for live updates as the final round concludes.

Sources: * ESPN: 2025 Australian Open LIVE * The Age: Australian Open golf 2025 Live Coverage * The Australian: The one man not cheering a final-day McIlroy miracle