Cameron Smith ready to get back to basics in bid to win fourth Australian PGA title

Cameron Smith has painted a worrying picture of the state of his game ahead of this week’s BMW Australian PGA Championship, admitting he has felt every misstep more acutely during a winless season he describes as one of the most frustrating of his career.

The Australian star, who is competing in the first event of the 2026 DP World Tour season at Royal Queensland on Thursday, is trying to rediscover the “cruisy” mindset that once propelled him to World No.2 and to victory at the 150th Open. 

But after a year marked by missed opportunities, including the unwanted distinction of being the only player to miss the cut at all four majors last season, Smith says the solution is not a reinvention—just a reset.

"I've played my whole career with really no expectation of playing well," Smith told reporters on Tuesday. 

"I expected to prepare well and do all that stuff well.

"This year, maybe just with a lot of stuff at home happening, and expecting a lot more out of myself, particularly with how hard I've worked.

"It's not how I've played golf in the last 10 years.

"It's been difficult, but I just need to get back to how I (used to) think and that is just being cruisy and not worrying about a poor shot."

Smith has not lifted a trophy since LIV Golf Bedminster in August 2023. 

Though he logged five top-10 finishes in 13 LIV Golf League events this season, his struggles have been stark elsewhere. 

Smith has now slumped to a career low of 345th in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), or a more realistic 113th with Data Golf. 

OWGR still yet includes LIV Golf League events in his system, although there is anticipation that could soon change now the breakaway league has switched from 54 to 72 holes in 2026. 

Last week’s PIF Saudi International—where Smith missed his sixth consecutive cut in OWGR-counting events—only added to a year he concedes has worn on him mentally.

"It's kind of been the story of the year, I guess I thought I've played better than what I've scored," Smith said of his latest result in Riyadh. 

"The work has been there and those poor rounds creeping in... it's been very frustrating.

"That's really bothered me this year, whereas in the past it probably hasn't.

"Looking back on stuff has been good. So I'm looking forward to getting in and getting into the groove this week."

But if there is anywhere Smith might reboot his season, it’s in Brisbane. 

This week's Australian PGA is his hometown event, and he has lifted the trophy three times—twice at Royal Pines in 2017 and 2018, and once at Royal Queensland in 2022. He also finished runner-up here last year, reinforcing his comfort around the venue.

Now, as he prepares to return to familiar surroundings, Smith hopes the relaxed mentality that made him one of the sport’s most naturally gifted competitors can finally return with him.

After a season in which every mistake seemed to weigh heavier than the last, the Queenslander begins this week not just trying to win again, but trying to feel like himself again.