2023 Masters Tournament: Top 10 Power Rankings at Augusta National

Until he prevailed at last year’s Open Championship at St. Andrews, many believed Augusta National would be the site of Cameron Smith’s first major championship win.

The Aussie has made the cut in all six trips down Magnolia Lane, and is seeking his fourth straight top-10.

"“I love the golf course,” Smith was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2021. “I just love the shots that it makes you hit. It just really suits my eye. So there’s no reason why I can’t win here. It’s just everything’s got to come together one week a year, and I’m sure I’ll be up there.”"

Smith was in the mix last year, trailing by three through 54 holes. He remained in earshot for a while on Sunday before a triple-bogey 6 on the 12th ended his chances.

Smith finished T-3rd with rounds of 68-74-68-73 (-5).

That poor finish may have him feeling like he’s here with something to prove.

So could the fact that he’s now a LIV golfer.

Smith spoke at LIV Orlando last week, where he finished tied for 29th place right behind the likes of David Puig and Scott Vincent. He retaliated against critics who deem that LIV players “don’t play real golf anymore,” stating that’s a “B.S.” thought.

Real or not, Smith’s golf hasn’t been too consistent in 2023.

After closing 2022 in style with a win at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, the mulleted man missed the cut at the Saudi International and took sixth and 26th at the other two 48-man player LIV events.

Whether he’d admit it or not, I think it was tough to ratchet up the intensity for these events, especially being so spaced out and after a lengthy offseason.

He’s a bit of a wild card this week, but Smith’s shown he can win as the underdog. Many at St. Andrews last year were pulling for Rory McIlroy, and we all know how that turned out.

I’d expect him and the other LIV guys to put a little extra juice into this week, which is why I’ve got him at No. 3.